They can chew it, but I would crack it JIK, but straight corn can cause some issues with their poo. It loosens it up for some reason makes it like cow pies not nice goat berries. As a treat its ok tho.
It is best to crack corn as whole corn does not properly digest in the rumen and can make them very sick.
Then you'll be seeing mushy poop later, corn will upset their bellies if they get too much of it. Mine would rather have the husks from the ears of sweet corn rather than the cobs themself.
If they didn't eat very much of it they should be fine--I let mine eat dried corn right off the cob sometimes...but I usually break the ear in half and give a half ear to each goat. Mine have never gotten diarrhea or a belly ache from that amount.
This what happend with whole corn. No no they will die They will not stand again cause of bloating They will surely dead. Allmost 10 goats of mine totaly dead.. Its better Corn bran chaff with mixed small amount of water.
K - Zarafarm you are confusing .... You didn't mention if you have meat or dairy goats. I think it makes a difference. Personally - no corn for my goaties. Upsets their PH too much I think. If I'm feeding to fatten up then I will use a different grain/product. Not to mention I'm on a 'no GMO' kick recently. HTH,
My grain mix is a whole grain blend, absolutely no grinding or cracking. I had more issues with cracked blends and pellets than when I switched to a whole blend. Just my expereince though, and I am using the same blend that my mentor has been using for 25 years - I recently purchased her two 4 year olds, a 7 yr old buck, and an 11 and 13 year old does who have been eating this all of their lives. No bloaty goaties here Kelly