What to feed Dairy Goats

[startheangrydog]

im wanting to get goats me and my husband are finishing the pen and turning the old shed to their house im wanting to get i want to get Mininubian or Nigerian Dwarf goats but before i do anything i need to learn the way of feeding them lol. we have a co op and they dont give detail on their feed the just have a board with the name of the feed and price thats about it. so im so used to my ducks and chickens im thing ughhh dont they have feed that just says goat feed or dairy goat feed lol and i been looking all over the net but most time its in goat talk form so it just goes over me head i know i need to feed them good hay like allfalfa clove type deal but as for gain wise not sure like oats, sweet feed, corn? so could somone explain it to me lol cuz i dont want to get it wrong and dont want to be feeding them feed that for meat goats and making them fat

 

[DonnaBelle]

Go to the INDEX area of this site and then to Feeding Time-Goats.

There's a thread that asks everyone about their feeding practices. There are about 200+ replies.

If you are "dry lot" your goats, you will need to provide feed to them. If there is a "dairy goat feed" available, you can use it.

All goats need three things: Fresh water daily, feed and minerals.

If you will have your goats in an area that has a lot of "brouse" (sprouts, trees, etc.) you won't need as much goat feed per animal.

If you have them on pasture, they have a greater chance of getting a heavy worm load.

Worms are the greatest killer of goats. Please read up on goats having worms. It's no fun to have goats, learn to love them, then lose them to a worm problem. Worms can be controlled.

Good Luck, enjoy your goats.

DonnaBelle

 

[Straw Hat Kikos]

Go here: http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=11677

 

[Island Creek Farm]

We feed Noble Goat Dairy Formula (Purina), but they only get grain on the stand while they are being milked. Other than that, we feed perennial peanut hay twice a day (or you can feed alfalfa hay/cubes) and free fed horse quality coastal bermuda (grass hay), plus all the browse they can stand on 12 acres. Sweet lix minerals and baking soda free choice.

Keep it simple