In order to calculate how much hay and other nutritional components a goat needs for the winter, it is necessary to understand the animal’s nutritional characteristics and its needs. Goats are easy-to-care animals and storing food for them is not particularly difficult. The basis of the diet of these pets is hay dried by the farmer or purchased.
How much hay does a goat need?
Goat farming is a popular livestock industry.These pets become an indispensable part of the household in areas with a temperate climate if simple rules of care and feeding are followed.
Daily norm
To produce nutritious and fatty milk and ensure good animal health per day, goats need:
- 4 kilograms – milking individual;
- 6 kilograms - goat;
- 2 kilograms for a kid.
The volume of hay may be diluted with chew additives, vitamins or grains.
For the winter
For adequate nutrition of one individual, from 400 to 600 kilograms of hay preparations for the winter period are required. The amount of reserves depends on the weight of the animal, sex and duration of the cold period.
Important! On average, one goat eats 120 kilograms of hay per month (4 kilograms for 30 days). However, when calculating the required supply, it is best to add an extra 100 kilograms on top.
Annual norm
Good animal care and a balanced diet for domestic goats are fully paid for by the milk they receive. Proper nutrition protects animals from the risks of digestive disorders and promotes the harmonious development of young animals. During the summer months, goats graze and replenish their need for grass while walking. During this period, diet enrichment is aimed at juicy additives, vegetables and fruits. The total volume of food consumed per goat is, on average, about 1.5 tons.
Important! It has been noticed that when vitamin E is added to goat food, the resulting milk becomes softer. Bitterness and sour taste disappear.
How to make hay yourself
If a livestock breeder decides to mow and dry hay for winter harvesting on his own, you should pay attention to several rules:
- Wildflowers need to be mowed before flowering begins;
- cereal crops are mowed during heading;
- legumes - at the beginning of bud opening;
- Mow should be done on warm days after the dew has dried.
Experienced livestock breeders prefer to store hay on their own, as this process contributes to a careful selection of the components of the animal’s diet during the winter.
Storage rules
Like other organic products, if storage conditions are incorrect, hay can rot, rot and ultimately become unsuitable for goats.
The basic rules for storing hay include:
- Dry thoroughly.
- Tedding compacted areas during drying.
- Prevents drying out.
- The presence of a spacious hayloft.
- Protection from moisture (rain, snow, damp earth).
- Full natural ventilation.
- Elevation above the ground (wooden logs).
Compliance with these simple rules will ensure the safety of harvesting until the next season.
Alternative winter feeds and diet supplements
The nutrition of goats affects not only the general condition of the animal, but also the quality and taste of the milk obtained. In order for the animals to receive the full range of vitamins and microelements, and also to strengthen the chewing apparatus, the goat breeder needs to prepare:
- young branches of trees and shrubs (raspberry, apple, willow, pear, beech, maple, birch, oak, linden);
- willow bark;
- fir branches;
- dry leaves;
- grain crops (oats, barley, corn, wheat);
- vegetables, root vegetables (fodder beets, carrots, fresh potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini) - no more than 3 kilograms (for an animal weighing 50 kilograms) per day;
- field herbs (chamomile);
- straw (barley, oat);
- vitamin supplements (check with your veterinarian).
Important! Despite the usefulness of grain crops, an excess of this product can lead to a rapid increase in the weight of the animal and a decrease in milk production.
What not to feed
Goats are not the most demanding animals to care for, but not all plants are suitable for their food.
The following cannot be taken into stock:
- celandine;
- dope;
- Red clover;
- nightshade;
- wild rosemary;
- milestones;
- lily of the valley;
- cicuta;
- parsnip;
- hogweed;
- lupine;
- ferns;
- hellebore;
- thistle;
- bristlecone;
- feather grass (tyrsa);
- trailer;
- sprouted potatoes;
- flax cake, mustard, rapeseed, camelina, rapeseed, hemp.
Care must be taken when selecting plants to feed goats. Otherwise, poisonous plants cause gastrointestinal disorders or death of the animal.
Important! Disruption of the digestive system of goats is also caused by chaff and grain husks, sawdust or sand, which get into the animal enclosure if sanitary conditions are not met.
