Let’s be honest here. I overdo it when it comes to nutrition, but I would sooner make sure my girls have everything they need than go without. I am a firm believer in put good in, get good out. You can’t expect great results through mediocre practices.
People will often ask what I should feed my goat? The most important thing to feed your goat is a great quality hay. Alfalfa based hay along with grass is a great start. Hay should be free of mold and dustiness. It should smell pleasant. In addition to alfalfa and grass hay, you will want a grain mix. I do recommend sticking with name brands, such as Purina, Dumor, Nutrena, ADM, Kalbach..etc. (We do have a custom mix made, but we have worked closely with nutritionists and have had our grain mix analyzed.) While feed mills have great intentions, it is often lacking and cheap. The grain should be made directly for goats. Avoid Sweet feeds that are targeted for multi species. It should have at least a 16% protein, minimum and ammonium chloride. Next, you will need a great mineral supplement. Do not use mineral blocks. I highly recommend a loose mineral made specifically for goats such as Sweetlix, Purina, Manna pro. Another great loose mineral is made by Back in Balance LLC in Mn. It is spendy because it is made fresh with minerals in their chelated state. Much more easily absorabable.
There’s a lot of information on the Internet that is good information but there’s also a lot of bad information. Regurgitated by a lot of backyard breeders. It’s important that when you bring your new goats’ home, you know how your breeder was feeding and managing the goat’s nutrition. The breeder should be more than happy to give this information and talk about the nutrition and management program they use. As always, ask any questions.
Don’t forget that you should feed your goats up or with a head through system to stop the parasite cycle. Fresh clean water daily is better than large troughs.
Minn E Acres Farm 