Today there are several types of feed for goats. Each of them has certain characteristics. In order for animals to feel normal and not get sick, it is important for them to choose the right diet. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the age and body weight of the pet. With the help of a well-chosen diet, it is possible to achieve high milk production and maintain animal fatness.
Types and composition of feed
Small cattle do not require complete feed types. Compound feed is used only as an additional source of energy.The main components of such nutrition for dairy goats include the following:
- grain mixture - 71% should consist of products such as corn, bran, barley, oats, wheat;
- protein substances – 25% comes from meal and cake of oilseeds;
- vitamins and minerals – 4% are premix, chalk, salt, phosphate.
The composition of the feed depends on the physiological group to which the animals belong. These can be kids, breeders, pregnant and lactating females.
Depending on the form of release and purpose, the following types of feed are distinguished:
- Complete - include all the important substances for the daily nutrition of animals. When feeding such formulations, additional foods, vitamins and minerals are not required.
- Concentrates are dietary supplements for goats. Their nutritional parameters are no more than 40% per day. These types of food contain many nutrients, so you should not use them in large quantities.
- Balancing - they are also called master concentrates. Such substances are combined with feed in a ratio of 20:80. The composition contains vitamins, high-protein ingredients and other important substances.
Often different types of feed include premixes. These are special ready-made formulations that include many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other biologically active components. These also include growth stimulants. They improve the appetite of goats and facilitate the digestibility of feed.
There are medicinal premixes that help develop immunity to infections, but their amount in the diet should not exceed 5%.
DIY cooking
Ready-made formulations can be used to feed goats. However, it is better to cook them yourself.It is important to consider that in general the use of cereals is not recommended. Corn and wheat should be crushed, and barley and oats should be flattened. Processed grain mixtures are better digested. In this case, the particle size should be 2-4 millimeters.
When making food, the components should be connected in series. First, it is recommended to mix ground cereals of different types. Then add cake or meal. In a separate bowl, alternately combine flour, a little salt and chalk. Then add premix. After this, mix the grains and minerals.
How to plan a diet correctly?
The goat's nutrition and the amount of feed in its diet depend on seasonal factors. In spring, roughage should be mixed with fresh grass. This has a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach. In summer, the amount of succulent feed should be increased to 70%.
From August, it is recommended to gradually switch the goat to a diet with a large amount of feed. If she refuses such food, mint, apples, and rowan will help improve the taste.
At the end of autumn and winter, compound feed can serve as the main food. At the same time, animals should be fed according to a schedule. You can give food for the first time at 6 o'clock, the second - at 12, the third - at 19. In the evening, it is recommended to use foods that are easily digested. Animals should be given water at least three times a day. After each feeding, the goat should be given 2.5 liters of liquid. However, it is best to keep water available at all times. Its optimal temperature is +7 degrees.
Compound feed must be used during pregnancy and milking. By introducing foods high in protein into the diet, it is possible to increase the quantity and quality of milk. During lactation, it is important to choose a balanced diet.It must contain vitamins and microelements. It is worth considering that good lactation depends on a large amount of fluid.
1 animal will need 1-4 kilograms of roughage per day. For a dairy goat, the quantity is calculated differently. She needs to be given 300 grams of feed and an additional 250 grams of such food for each liter of milk.
Why is excess feed dangerous?
A deficiency of feed is considered a less dangerous mistake than its excess. When goats consume large amounts of concentrates, this causes various disturbances in the functioning of the body. Eating excess food during pregnancy increases the risk of obesity. This can create difficulties with delivery. After childbirth, problems with conception often appear. An obese goat will not be able to cover itself.
If the total diet includes more than 45% feed, while branches and hay make up less than 55%, there is a risk of disappearance of the cud. At the same time, food is poorly digested, and there is a risk of alternating diarrhea and constipation. It causes rumen acidosis, since the death of beneficial microflora is observed.
Also, excess feed leads to rumen overfilling. As a result, fermentation and rotting of the feed mass are observed, and gases appear. As the body becomes full, pressure occurs on the diaphragm area, heart and lungs. Sometimes there is a rupture of the scar.
Storage Features
It is recommended to store the feed in a clean and well-ventilated place. It should be dark and disinfected.In this case, the humidity parameters should be no more than 75%. Pelleted food can be stored for up to 6 months. The shelf life of briquettes and bulk is 1-3 months.
Is it possible to give goats pig feed?
Pork feed contains feed fats. It can lead to rapid weight gain. If stored for a long time, such food can cause poisoning. Therefore, it is not recommended to give it to goats. Today there are several types of feed that can be given to goats. A properly selected composition helps make the animal healthier, increase its productivity and strengthen the immune system.
