Feed
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
Joined
·
6,617 Posts
Go up to the top and do a search. There are a number of threads on here about feeding. If you are not feeding year round, what are they getting? Also, great minerals play a large part in a healthy herd and production.
Joined
·
9,235 Posts
Welcome to The Goat Spot!
How exciting getting into goats. Beware of goat math...herds tend to grow at an incredible rate lol.
There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here who raise boers.
It would help to know ages and gender of the goats in your herd as well as what exactly you’re currently feeding.
Don’t forget to post lots of pictures so we can tell you how cute they are.
We LOVE PICTURES
How exciting getting into goats. Beware of goat math...herds tend to grow at an incredible rate lol.
There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here who raise boers.
It would help to know ages and gender of the goats in your herd as well as what exactly you’re currently feeding.
Don’t forget to post lots of pictures so we can tell you how cute they are.
We LOVE PICTURES
Welcome to The Goat Spot!
How exciting getting into goats. Beware of goat math...herds tend to grow at an incredible rate lol.
There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here who raise boers.
It would help to know ages and gender of the goats in your herd as well as what exactly you're currently feeding.
Don't forget to post lots of pictures so we can tell you how cute they are.
We LOVE PICTURES
All 4 are does. Two of them are about 6 months old the other two I'm not sure how old. I have been feeding 14% mini pellets
Joined
·
2,291 Posts
Hello! Congratulations on the new endeavor.
What is their purpose? (such as pets only, meat only, 4H, registered breeding stock, ABGA show stock, etc) That’ll help us narrow down what may work best for you.
What is their purpose? (such as pets only, meat only, 4H, registered breeding stock, ABGA show stock, etc) That’ll help us narrow down what may work best for you.
Joined
·
2,291 Posts
If they’re just for pets and meat purposes, you don’t need to feed them a heavy grain diet unless you’re trying to bulk up for slaughter.
A good quality hay is most important. You can adjust your grain amounts to keep your goats at a weight you want. You could keep them on just hay and browse if they maintain a good weight on it.
A good quality hay is most important. You can adjust your grain amounts to keep your goats at a weight you want. You could keep them on just hay and browse if they maintain a good weight on it.
@SalteyLove @tothboergoats
Joined
·
9,235 Posts
@AndersonRanch what do you suggest. @Moers kiko boars
Joined
·
11,167 Posts
So you plan to breed them to produce meat animals? Feeding the does during lactation is a lot different than other times of year.
If they are young goats, less than a year old, I would give them a half pound each of pelleted goat feed per day right now. You'll need so great quality grass hay to offer through winter.
Are there males & females that are breeding right now?
Be sure to buy loose minerals (which are sand consistency) and offer them free choice in a dry spot.
Joined
·
791 Posts
I agree with CountryLineAcres acres. I would start with the brows and good hay, like make them graze during the day and just give hay in the end I guess because they will go for easy food (hay) first If they are allowed. I do it this way when there is brows to get them to come in at evening time. Or when the grass is just started and very rich then I’ll give them a little hay in the AM so they don’t end up with upset stomachs.
I think feed is the hardest one to figure out because to a degree we all have different factors. For me I don’t stay green all year long. Half the year I depend heavy on hay. I also don’t feed adults grain but supplement with protein tubs. Kids get a creep feeder with grain. I don’t know anyone else that feeds like this but it works really well for me. So I say start with hay and go from there. If kids are not gaining or does or not keeping condition like you would like then start graining. Just make sure you do any diet changes slowly.
I think feed is the hardest one to figure out because to a degree we all have different factors. For me I don’t stay green all year long. Half the year I depend heavy on hay. I also don’t feed adults grain but supplement with protein tubs. Kids get a creep feeder with grain. I don’t know anyone else that feeds like this but it works really well for me. So I say start with hay and go from there. If kids are not gaining or does or not keeping condition like you would like then start graining. Just make sure you do any diet changes slowly.
Joined
·
6,617 Posts
Another thing is to keep on top of worms and parasites. If you have just gotten these, you should probably send in a fecal (poop sample) to your vet to make sure they don't have a problem there. This affects weight, unthriftiness, and can lead to severe problems including death. There are so many ways of feeding, that sometimes it's something you have to find what keeps your goats in top condition.
Joined
·
97,931 Posts
All good advice.
Hey there. Welcome to TGS! I'm in Oklahom too. Close to Ttown. I raise Registered Boers, kiko x boers, myotonics & Tenn meat goat. For me I feed year round..because Ionly have 10.acres. if I had more pasture/ browse I wouldn't. The boers I bought were fed.grain..and so I've continued. Everything above is true. There are alot of options. I have round bales out right now & full feed. I have 14 preggo does. I have 3 on creep feed..younger.than 6 months. And my Bucks are worn out from the rut. So with the rollercoaster weather..they are receiving grain to make up for the lack of good green grass & leaves. But I like a little fat on my bucks & young non bred does for the winter.
Good you are hear. If I can help you in any way...please just holler.
Good you are hear. If I can help you in any way...please just holler.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
