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by Heidi Dahlin
I cannot think of any aspect of pygmy goat care that involves as much mystery
and diversity as what to feed them. If you ask longtime
goat breeders what they feed their herd, you either get
a mysterious look with a quick change of subject, or a
different opinion from each person you ask. I admit to
changing my goats' diets numerous times over the years
as I encounter new ideas (much to the chagrin of my herd,
I'm sure). In this article, I will look at a feed program
logically based on research and articles I have read and
allow you to draw your own conclusions.
Let's Start at the Very Beginning
On the surface, what to feed your pygmy goat should be
very simple. Just as humans have the four food groups
(or is it the five food group pyramid?), goats have basic
parts to their diet. The general areas of a goat's diet
are hay, grain, fresh water, salt, and minerals. A goat
must have a good diet to reach its full genetic potential.
Both undernourished and obese goats can develop health
problems. Let's look at the basic parts:
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Hay
It's important to select quality hay to maximize its nutritional
content. Hay should have a nice green color and should
be cut before the plants bloom. Hay should be fed free
choice in feeders that keep it off the ground. The following
is a chart listing the digestible protein, calcium, and
phosphorus contents of various types of hay.
| Hay |
Digestible Protein % |
Calcium % |
Phosphorus % |
| Alfalfa |
10.5 |
1.47 |
0.24 |
| Clover (red) |
7.1 |
1.35 |
0.19 |
| Oat |
4.9 |
0.21 |
0.19 |
| Timothy |
2.9 |
0.23 |
0.20 |
|
The cheapest hay is not necessarily the lowest cost per
ton. You must factor in the nutritional content. Legume
hay (alfalfa, clover, etc.) has a higher protein, calcium,
and phosphorus content, which is necessary for developing
muscle and bone. I feed my goats free choice eastern Washington
alfalfa (3rd or 4th cutting for leafier, finer-stemmed
hay) and quality oat hay (my goats love it).
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Grain
Grain or grain mixes supply added protein, vitamins, and
minerals. There are a variety of grain mixes formulated
specially for goats, such as, Land O' Lakes Dairy Goat
Feed, Purina Goat Chow, etc. These mixes contain 16 percent
protein and a variety of added vitamins and minerals.
Dry COB is corn, oats, and barley without molasses. It
contains about 9 percent protein and no added vitamins
and minerals.
Grain may or may not be a necessary part of your goat's
diet, depending on whether you are feeding a buck, wether,
or doe. Bucks and wethers are susceptible to urinary
problems, and a low-protein grain ration is recommended.
Bucks, however, need an adequate amount of grain to
maintain sperm production during breeding season. Wethers
do fine with no grain at all as long as they are fed
quality alfalfa hay.
A doe's needs vary depending on whether she is dry,
pregnant, or lactating. Common sense rules here. Does
need adequate protein and nutrients for fetal development
and milk production. However, too much of a good thing
might cause obesity. Obesity can lead to kidding problems
and/or a variety of health problems. Do not overfeed
your pregnant does. This is when you need to observe
your herd and determine whether it's gaining or losing
weight with the ration you are feeding. My does get
1/2 C dairy goat feed per day, which is their normal
ration. When my does are lactating, I feed them four
times as much divided into two feedings per day.
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Salt and Minerals
Salt and minerals are a vital part of your goat's diet
and can be found in a variety of sources including hay,
pasture, grain, soil, and supplements. Bones are composed
of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), therefore, Ca and
P must be in a goat's diet in adequate amounts for proper
bone and muscle development. Even a mature animal must
have adequate Ca and P to maintain bone structure. The
ratio of Ca and P is quite important - it should be
2-to-1 in a goat's diet. This ratio is not only important
for bone development; it also encourages urinary tract
health in male goats.
Salt and minerals are available in block form through
feed stores and should be available at all times. I
also feed a supplement called Capri Min #2 (1/2 Tb).
I sprinkle it on my goats' feed daily. Capri Min #2
is formulated specially for goats, and my goats love
it. (Be very careful when feeding goats supplements
that have been developed for horses and cattle. They
generally contain higher levels of copper than goats
can metabolize. Toxic levels can build up in a goat's
body, resulting in poisoning.) [The level of copper
in showbloom! is certainly safe for both goats
and sheep.]
We live in an area that is selenium (Se) deficient,
thus we must add selenium to our goats' intake to prevent
white muscle disease and possibly increase fertility.
Usually Se is given by an injection of vitamin E and
Se (BoSe) at birth and twice a year after that. It is
also present in dairy goat feed, trace mineral blocks,
and most mineral supplements.
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Water
I can't say enough about the importance of having fresh
water available at all times. It is needed for proper
rumen function and urinary health in bucks and wethers.
A 50 pound goat drinks about a half a gallon of water
a day, depending on the weather. During cold weather,
goats appreciate warm water to help maintain their body
temperature.
Note: If you have goat kids present, make sure your
water is in shallow containers. Kids can drown easily
in 5 gallon water buckets.
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Beyond the Basics...
I also feed my does a supplement called showbloom!
during lactation and after weaning. It's a vitamin and
protein supplement containing 30 percent protein, vitamins
A, C, D, E, and B vitamins. (Don't go overboard when
feeding it. I feed 1 Tb. per day.) I notice a difference
in their coats and overall appearance. In addition to
showbloom! and Capri Min #2 supplement, I feed
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as a free choice supplement.
Soda helps the rumen maintain its pH balance. It also
helps bucks and wethers keep their urine more alkaline
and helps avoid urinary tract problems.
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Bibliography
1. Colby, Brian, et. al. Dairy goats-breeding/feeding/management.
American Goat Society. 1972.
2. Kinne, Maxine. Pygmy goat care and management. 1987.
3. National Pygmy Goat Association. Best of Memo I.
1982.
4. National Pygmy Goat Association. Best of Memo II.
1989.
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Sources
Caprine Supply (Capri Min #2)
P.O. Box Y
33001 West 83rd St.
DeSoto KS 66018
(913)585-1191 |
Nasco (Show Bloom)
P.O. Box 3837
Modesto CA 95352-3837
1-800-558-9595 |
Pioneer Meadows Pygmy Goats
18383 S Grasle Rd
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503)631-2855 |
Special thanks to Heidi Dahlin for providing this guide.
You can visit her website at www.orecity.k12.or.us/4H/pmeadows.htm.
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