Grazing goats?

[zimmerman]

How much of a goat's diet can come from grass/browse? (And how much would have to come from grain). Thanks

 

[ksalvagno]

Most of a goat's diet should come from hay/grazing/browsing. Grain should be a supplement. Also a good loose goat mineral is critical to have out for them at all times.

 

[zimmerman]

Most of a goat's diet should come from hay/grazing/browsing. Grain should be a supplement. Also a good loose goat mineral is critical to have out for them at all times.

Thanks! So if they had all the grass and browse they could eat, how much could you expect to feed a dry doe and a lactating doe in hay and grain?

 

[Bedste]

NONE for the dry goat and grain on the milk stand when you milk. I give 3/4 of a scoop in milke stand twice a day during the milking.

 

[ksalvagno]

It really depends on their condition. If you have a heavy milker, then you will probably need to feed more grain. It also depends on if you have full size dairy goats or miniature. When my full size dairy goat is in milk, she needs 4-5 cups (measuring) a milking to keep condition because she is a very good milker. You will have to judge and adjust as time goes on. I do also feed some grain all year round but some people don't.