Introduction
Goats are efficient browsers and prefer eating brushy plants along with some other woody and weedy plants found on the ranges. Goats are able to digest a large variety of fibre and roughage. The nutrient requirements of goats are determined by age, sex, breed, production system (dairy or meat), body size, climate and physiological stage. Feeding strategies should be able to meet energy, protein, mineral, and vitamin needs depending on the condition of the goats. Goats do not depend on intensive feeding systems except some supplemental feeding during growth, lactation, pregnancy and winter. Of course, when goats are in lactation for an extended period of time (i.e., 10 months), they will require supplemental feeding on a higher plane of nutrition (e.g., dairy quality second cut alfalfa hay and grain ration). Goats belong to the small ruminant group of animals and have no upper incisor or canine teeth but a dental pad instead. The rumen is the largest part of four stomach compartments with the capacity of roughly 2-6 pounds. Some bacteria and protozoa are normal habitants of the rumen which break down plant food into volatile fatty acids along with vitamins and amino acids.
The daily feed intake of goats ranges from 3-4% of body weight as expressed in pounds (dry matter/head/day). The daily feed intake is influenced by body weight, % of dry matter in the feeds eaten (12-35% in forages, 86-92% in hays and concetrates), palatability, and physiological stage of the goats (growth, pregnancy, and lactation).
Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Sugars, starches (found in grains) and fibre (cellulose) are the carbohydrates that convert into volatile fatty acids (energy) by rumen flora (beneficial bacteria). Normal goat diet (browse, forbs, and grasses) is high in cellulose and requires digestion by rumen flora to be converted into energy. Fresh pastures and young plants may have highly digestible fibre and provide high energy compared to older plants. Higher energy
levels come from lower fibre feeds. Energy is represented as total
Goats and their Nutrition
Proteins
Proteins are digested and broken down into amino acids and are eventually absorbed in the small intestine.
Those amino acids are building blocks for body proteins (muscles). The rumen plays a major role in
breaking down consumed protein into bacterial protein through bacterial fermentation. Feeds like forages,
hays, pellets (alfalfa), barley, peas (screenings, whole, split), corn, oats, distilled grains and meals (soybean,
canola, cottonseed meals) are common sources of protein for goat rationing.
The protein requirements are higher during growth (kids), milk synthesis (lactation), and mohair growth.
Producers may need to supplement protein sometimes during the year, especially in late fall or winter. It is
very important for a commercial goat operation to do cost-effective rationing as proteins can be an
expensive feed ingredient. Good quality hay does not need much protein supplement for goats. If the hay
has about 12-13% protein content then provide ½ lb of protein source in the form of corn, barley, peas or
oats (with 20% protein in total). In case the hay is of average quality, add one pound of protein as
supplement.
Water
Insufficient water intake will depress a goat’s performance earlier, and more severely, than any other dietary insufficiency. Adequate water is the paramount management concern. Goats should be consuming more water with high protein ration feedings. Decent water quality, not just quantity, is a must.
Minerals and Vitamins
Goats need certain minerals and vitamins for their maintenance as well as proper
functioning of their physiological systems. Feeding of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E,
K) must be insured in a goat’s diet due to its inability to make these vitamins. Rumen
flora can make vitamin B in enough quantities needed for goat metabolism. Vitamin C
is essential for the immune system to work efficiently.
Minerals can be classified as macro and micro minerals. Calcium, phosphorus,
magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur and chlorides are a few of the macrominerals
needed in a goat’s diet. Microminerals usually supplemented in goat rations are iron,
copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium, molybdenum, and others. Feed tags
report microminerals as parts per million (ppm) and macrominerals on a percentage
basis.
Feeding of calcium and phosphorus (2:1 ratio) is recommended for better structural
and bone strength, while other minerals are necessary for other systems like nervous
and reproductive. Minerals should be added into the feed keeping in mind the quality
of forages as some forages can be high in some of the minerals and low in others. Free choice supply of loose minerals and salts always works well. If the supplied minerals include enough salts then the producer should be careful in providing separate free choice salt.
Fats
Fats can also be a source of energy for goats. Goats do consume some amount
of fats while browsing. Excess energy produced by carbohydrates is stored in the form of fat
especially around internal organs. The stored fat in the body is used during high energy needs,
especially the lactation period. Supplying fats may not be a cost-effective idea for goat production.
FAQ’s
❓ What do goats eat daily?
Mostly hay or pasture, plus clean water and loose minerals.
❓ Do goats need grain?
Only if pregnant, nursing, growing, or underweight.
❓ What kind of hay is best?
Alfalfa (high protein) or grass hay like timothy or orchard.
❓ Can goats eat only grass?
They can, but a mix of grass, browse, and hay is healthier.
❓ How often should goats eat?
Hay: free-choice. Grain: 1–2x daily if needed.
❓ Do goats need salt blocks?
Loose mineral mixes are better than plain salt blocks.
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