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iodine, sulfur, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and
trace amounts of copper. Copper is the one min
eral that must be closely watched when feeding
goats. There is currently much disagreement over
how much copper a goat needs. Be cautious when
feeding supplements that contain copper. If your
goats appear to have an adverse reaction to
copper, discontinue its use. Many soils have
enough copper present that no additional copper
is needed.
Table 2 gives three sample rations with three
different levels of protein available. Younger,
smaller goats may require an 18 percent protein
feed, while goats approaching market weight
may need only a 16 percent crude protein ration.
Commercial and breeding goat producers may
use a 14 percent ration at times. The rations are
calculated for a ton batch of feed. If you are only
feeding one or two goats, you will probably find
it more economical to buy your feed at a feed mill
rather than mix your own. You still can use these
rations as a guide when deciding what ration you
want to feed. If you want, you may add
Rumensin or Bovatec to the feed as a growth
promotant. Both feed additives also help control
coccidiosis. If Bovatec or Rumensin are not fed,
Deccox or Decoquinate may be added as a coccid
iostat. Ammonium chloride can be added to help
prevent urinary calculi (stones), a condition
wethers may experience.
Feeders should allow the goat to eat but not climb in the feeder.
Typical goat ration of corn, oats, and soy.
Each goat needs to have about 1 linear foot of
feed trough space, and some control must be
used to keep the "boss" goats from eating the
grain of the more timid goats. Always weigh the
feed—don't guess how much you are feeding,
you may be surprised. Keep all feed and water
dispensers and troughs clean.
How Much Feed Will My Goat Eat?
The eating habits of goats are like those of people.
Some eat a lot, and some not so much. Also, the
bigger they are, the more they should eat.
Over the entire feeding period, goats will eat
an average of 2.0 pounds of grain per day, plus
hay or other forage. However, they usually
consume less feed early in the feeding period and
more as they approach market weight. Changes
in the amount and kind of concentrate you feed
them should be made gradually over a period of
several days.
It is important to bring goats up to maximum
feed intake gradually. Most goat owners choose
to feed their goats 1/2 of the total daily ration in
the morning and the other half in the evening.
The maximum intake for most goats is 2.0 to 3.0
pounds of concentrate each day. The remainder of
their total daily intake will be made up of high-
quality hay, silage, pasture, or perhaps your rose
bushes and young trees. Remember, goats are
browsers. Their instinct tells them to stand on
their hind legs and eat tree limbs, tree bark, and a
Caring for Your Goat
29
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