You will often hear that goats eat everything; however, that is not always the case. Most of them do, but some picky eaters will create a problem for you. There are many different forms of feed available to give to goats. They range from natural to commercial feed.
Listed below are the best feed from each category that you can provide to your goats.
The Beset Goat Feed
Natural Feed for Goats
Hay
Hay is a necessity for goats, more so if they do not graze. If they do forage, then you give them hay in the seasons when it is not possible for them to graze. Hay provides the goat with the necessary nutrition they need while being inexpensive.
Hay grass is available in many forms. Alfalfa and clover are the most nutritious as they are enriched with many proteins along with many vital nutrients. It would be best if you were careful that the hay has no mold on it before giving it to the goats.
Pasture
Pasture is an essential part of goat farming, so the best thing you can do is create a pasture for your goats through which they can browse freely. A field keeps the goats fit and healthy while allowing them to increase their palate and digestion towards other food. In a pasture, you can grow various types of grasses such as Sudan, Bahia, and Sorghum.
Grains
Grains come in four different types
- Whole grains
- Rolled grains
- Pellets
- Texturized grains
Whole grains are great to feed to your goats; that does not include pellets as they are processed food. Unprocessed whole grains are the right choice, but too much is not suitable for them.
Corn and oats are whole grains that are readily available and nutritious whole grains that you can feed your goats. Texturized grains are also good as they have added nutritional elements.
Chaffhaye
Chaffhaye is prematurely cut grass or hay that is cut into chunk and combined with molasses. Later it is sealed in a vacuumed bag where it ferments. This procedure gives birth to bacteria, which makes it easy for the goats to digest it. It provides the required nutrients along with healthy bacteria for the gut.
Commercial Feed for Goats
Loose Minerals
Minerals and vitamin needs are not always fulfilled by the food we provide to the goats, so they need to be compensated for using loose minerals or a mineral block.
Baking Soda
Baking Soda contains vitamins that can be used to cure bloating issues in goats.
Kelp Meal & Probios
Probios are necessary for the rumen function, and kelp meal fulfills the iodine requirements of the goats. The iodine in kelp meal also raises milk production.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The goat’s body needs certain enzymes to complete essential reactions in the body, and these enzymes are provided through apple cider vinegar. It also aids the immune system of the goats.
Bottom Line
The foods listed above are the perfect diet for your goats; they provide nutrition and do not cause digestion problems.
