The ratio between Farmgate Coarse Goat Mix and roughage should be 60:40, respectively, when goats are in early lactation. In mid lactation the respective ration should be 45:55, and in late lactation 25:75.
Feeding little and often is suggested with high feeding levels in early lactation. This will ensure that your goats have healthy appetites.
Goats in late pregnancy should be "fit" and not "fat" to ensure ease at kidding.
If you think of a goat's feeding regime in terms of production and maintenance, you won't go far wrong:
- Production caters for the requirements needed for the production of milk, meat or fibre 300g hay & 200g of concentrates for every 1 litre of milk
- Maintenance provides the basic requirements for the body and its workings 2kg of hay & 500g of concentrates
You will find that a goat's nutritional requirement will vary, depending of the time of year or the goat's season. A goat kept for its coat will need different requirements than that of a goat kept for milk or during pregnancy. A goat that is drying off during pregnancy will need less protein for a time, but once the kids have arrived an increase will be needed. Also, there are different types of pasture available during certain times of the year.
Feed goats well when they are ill, good feeding will provide strength and aid recovery, although if they are off their food, don't force them: seek advice from your Vet.
As goats are browsers they prefer not to eat anything that has been on the floor, being boisterous animals they are a dab hand at tossing hay and turning over feed buckets, which in turn can lead to waste.
Hayracks can be purchased from most agricultural stores. They should be positioned at a height that cannot be fouled, but within browsing reach.
If you are feeding goats in groups, you should allow enough space for them to all feed at the same time, so as they are not competing for space.
Do not use hay nets as a cheaper substitute to hay racks as goats can get entangled in them, due to their curious nature!!