Let's Look at our Different Feeding Practices *GOATS*

[kstaven]

At that point I would think the soil your forage is growing in is lacking. Next valley over from us is like that. Here we barely supplement and in the next valley they have to heavily supplement. I know it isn't bloodlines because many of our kids are there and experience the same issues.

 

[Livinwright Farm]

At that point I would think the soil your forage is growing in is lacking. Next valley over from us is like that. Here we barely supplement and in the next valley they have to heavily supplement. I know it isn't bloodlines because many of our kids are there and experience the same issues.

Our doe in milk is the only one that gets that much feed per day, the buck & our other doe seem to be doing well on 2 cups of Dumor Goat per day, and(as I stated in another thread) we let our kids(under 6months) eat a free choice mix. Mixed in a 2 gallon bucket until evenly mixed: 3 cups Dumor Grower(contains A/C), 2 cups Calf Manna, 3 cups Noble Goat(contains A/C & Decoquinate.), 1 cup BOSS, 1 cup cracked corn.

 

[kstaven]

I guess I'm just spoiled by being able to run our dairy herd on open forage without all the extra feeds.

 

[Livinwright Farm]

Unfortunately our flock of chickens eliminated most of our herd's browse this year, next year our herd will be completely seperate from the chickens.... or rather, the other way around, and we will have the goat's areas seeded with year round forage spike: turnip, clover, chickory, oat, rutabega, scratch grain grains, and alfalfa. Shouldn't need to give as much of the processed feeds after that. I hope

 

[77Herford]

77herdford I was just thinking the same about my goats .

I only feed 1 cup of purina goat feed + some corn in the morning.
So they get 1 cups of feed a day each , we feed in buckets each have their own buckets.

But my goats have access to pasture 24/7

As I read through the post and I am amazed at how heavy my goats have gotten and how shiny their coats are.

They do get loose minerals freshly topped off daily.

In the winter when the brush is low I buy 1 square bale every 2 - 3 weeks of costal hay + the purina Goat feed and some corn.
I only have 3 goats and thats why I don't have to buy so much.

But I was looking at the other things everyone has added to their goats diets.

I am in North Central Texas

My goats appear to be quite healthy and grow at a fast rate.

I am wowed by all the feed options I guess cause it appears I dont feed enough to my goats and they are such fatties.

Once in a blue moon I get sweet feed and give as a treat but I don't do that often .

When My doe was about to kid she got a bale of alfalfa all to her self it was left out for her to get it freely when she wanted it.

It just seems to be working for us, I have never had to deal with a sick goat yet.

Of course these aren't show goats but they are good at clearing brush.

I feel better now, lol but this is my first go with goats. I guess when winter comes I'll give the two remaining goats hay with the llama's.

 

[that's*satyrical]

I get my 2 new babies Sunday. I am new so feel free to correct any of this if it doesn't look good:

they will get dumor goat pellet mixed with producers pride sweet 12% pellet 50/50 ratio (that is what they are eating right now) in whatever amount they're eating right now...
they will start with 15-20 min pasture on nice days (I will be walking them & letting them eat in the field next door) and slowly increase to an hour or maybe 2.
on yucky days will get hay free choice
manna pro mineral (for goats) free choice
and of course lots of fresh water, whatever forage they can find in their paddock (about 1/2 acre I think)
supplements with bo-se (I think that's what it's called) when recommended
some sort of bio stuff for intestinal balance once a week or when their tummies seem upset

 

[Ms. Research]

I get my 2 new babies Sunday. I am new so feel free to correct any of this if it doesn't look good:

they will get dumor goat pellet mixed with producers pride sweet 12% pellet 50/50 ratio (that is what they are eating right now) in whatever amount they're eating right now...
they will start with 15-20 min pasture on nice days (I will be walking them & letting them eat in the field next door) and slowly increase to an hour or maybe 2.
on yucky days will get hay free choice
manna pro mineral (for goats) free choice
and of course lots of fresh water, whatever forage they can find in their paddock (about 1/2 acre I think)
supplements with bo-se (I think that's what it's called) when recommended
some sort of bio stuff for intestinal balance once a week or when their tummies seem upset

Congratulations on your up coming adventure in goats. Something I'm looking forward in the future. The information that I know about about goats is what I've read on this forum. Very good information which I think will help you as you learn to care for your goats. All I can give you for advise is take it all one step at a time. Take your plan that you have right now, which is a solid plan, and build on it. You need to know your goats. It will all be very overwhelming once you come down from your "Goat High". But stop, take a breath, knowing that in a few months, when every one has settled in and adjusted to your set plan, you will then be able to start really evaluating your goats. Really seeing them and learning about them. I did this with my rabbits. I know rabbits and goat care are completely different, but I know about that excited "high" and how it feels to think you are overwhelmed. I made it through those several months, and I am more confident knowing that I can really care for my animals and can adjust my plan to really suit their needs.

Can't wait to see them.

 

[that's*satyrical]

Awww, thank you so much! That is my plan! Actually, my husband wants to venture into rabbits eventually but we are taking one step at a time. Started with chickens this past spring, and now moving into goats. Rabbits will probably be next I am very excited to put up my pictures. Probably will be Monday since I will be too busy on Sunday getting acquainted with them....

 

[kstaven]

Over the next 6 months your game plan will likely change 20 times as you adjust it to what works best for you and your goats.

Don't sweat the small stuff and have fun.

 

[that's*satyrical]

Hahaha! I know. I'm sure you're right. I just want to be prepared. Yeah, we had to improvise with the chickens several times to find what works & now it is very enjoyable to just go out & watch them & collect the eggs. And they get so excited to see me cuz I bring them treats. We pretty much love it so that's why we decided to expand!