types of hay for goats

Hay is what we call a cut pasture and as stated above, it includes the stem, leaves, and seed head. Contrary to the old saying, a goat will eat anything even a tin can, most goats are in fact, picky eaters. Whole grains are the regular unprocessed grains. Our team of rangeland experts has designed a goat pasture seed mix … Although your goats may not find it as tasty as other grasses. As browsers (as opposed to grazers), goats eat a wide variety of plants from weeds to woody shrubs. Grass hay provides a moderate amount of protein and energy for the goat diet. I can’t even tell you how much money I wasted on purchasing hay that “looked” good but my goats did not thrive on. (Think of them as “living weedwhackers” rather than “living lawnmowers.”). To know if it is good go by the smell. If cut too quickly these bales will not include the full plant, meaning the stem and leaves, which may have your animals missing out on important nutrients. Therefore, you will want to invest in a substantial amount of hay. Anything below 6% reflects reduced feed intake and dietary digestibility. Just like with meat goats your goal is simply to make sure your animals are in optimal health. (2) 2nd cut grass hay. It is our preferred method of feeding alfalfa to our herd. This means they stubbornly refuse to mow your lawn and instead will eat the weeds, bushes, leaves, and even barks of trees. The Goat Care 2X formula is designed to help in the removal and control of mature gastrointestinal nematode infections of goats such as Ostertagia (Teladorsagia) circumcincta, Haemonchus contortus, and Trichostrongylus axei. Madeline says. Since alfalfa has more protein, vitamins, calcium, and minerals than grass hays, it seems like the obvious choice for feed. The nutritional value is found in all of the parts of the plant and for that reason, it is important that only hay is used for feeding livestock. Timothy grass is a good alternative of alfalfa. The common forms that feeds come in, are a mash, a crumble and a pellet. That’s why everybody does it, I suppose. Good quality dust-free hay should be used to provide at least 40% (by weight) of your goat’s total feed and should be available for them at all times, summer and winter. Caprine owners may view their animals as severely deficient in many critical minerals, when in fact they may lack only a few core elements. Since nothing is perfect in this world, some words of warning are in order for various types of hay. This can be fed free-choice or twice a day. If fed dry, pellets will add volume in the rumen as soon as they get in contact with the stomach fluids. Hay cannot be cut or mowed in the rain since it needs to be dried prior to baling. Around here (Maryland) we have timothy, orchardgrass, fescue, alfalfa, clover, teff, ryegrass, or any mix of those types. More often than not first cut will work just fine in this area but if you find your goats on the low end of the weight scale you may want to introduce second cut hay. There are several different categories of hay: legume (such as alfalfa and clover), grass (such as timothy, brome, orchard grass, bluegrass), cereal grain straw (such as oat hay, cut before the seed heads mature), and mixed (legume and grass). The type of hay will directly affect the amount and quality of milk along with the percentages of butterfat found within. ». SLCG PRO TIP: Did you know that most goats can live their entire life without any supplemental grain? This product is manufactured in Texas but more and more states are carrying it as well. Millet grows very quickly and reach 40 to 50 inches within 60 to 90 days (if left alone). Since feeding Chaffhaye I have found a much healthier and robust herd that is better able to fight off worms on their own which is commonly found in our very wet climates. Goats won’t drink as much water if it’s foul, so make sure the animals have access to plenty of clean water. Alfalfa, for example, contains an impressive list of nutrients. Hay is used for feeding animals because it contains the entire plant; the stem, leaf, and seed head. These can range from small squares to large round bales and the prices of the bale will depend, of course, on size but also on the quality. This cut of hay will be more expensive because of the quality and nutritional levels found in the bales. There are three types of hay: legume, grass, and cereal. Dietary crude protein requirements are higher during growth, gestation, and lactation. This will all depend on the weather where you live. Hay can come in concentrate form, i.e. The amount and type of fertlizer used on a field, as well as soil type, influences nitrate accumulation. A pregnant goat needs an “ascending plane of nutrition.”  A doe’s nutritional level should be increased about six weeks ahead of kidding, by which point she will have sufficient nutrients for lactation. The palatability of orchardgrass is good and goats readily consume it. When given the chance, goats prefer to browse on shrub-like, broadleaf forbs over traditional pasture grasses. Caprines need roughage in the form of about two to four pounds of hay per day (3% to 4% of body weight) for their rumens to function properly. The narrow slats allow for easy access to the hay without goats feeling the need to put their entire head inside. Reply. Every few days we will bring over a few bales and stack them in the barn for convenience. Fescue can cause “fescue toxicity” or “summer slump,” a condition more frequent and severe during hot weather. My kids get half a cup. A rainy season usually means less hay and that can drive the price of second cut pretty high. However, a diet of nothing but alfalfa diet is “too much of a good thing.” By itself, alfalfa is too high in calcium and protein for healthy goats and should be limited to sick, pregnant, or debilitated animals. This post may contain affiliate links. Alfalfa should not be fed free-choice. When choosing a mineral supplement, be sure to choose something specifically formulated for goats (not sheep, cattle, horses, etc.). Average orchardgrass-alfalfa mix hay will contain roughly 14-17% crude protein and 53-56% TDN on a dry matter basis. This is why the quality of your goat’s hay is so important. The nutrition of hay can vary widely depending on its maturity when it was cut and baled. Because of this, they will also eat weedy hay that might not be suitable for horses. The key is to keep the hay dry to again ensure the quality of the hay is left intact preserving its nutritional value for your animals. This is what I feed my goats along with hay. We like to test a bale at home prior to purchasing large amounts for our animals. Since most goats prefer the second cut to first cut hay this will encourage them to eat more and help them to establish a better weight. We prefer to feed second cut to our goats for reasons I will get into later. Since goats will not eat straw because they prefer hay, you can keep bedding intact. Our sheep, goats, beef cows, and rabbits have free choice hay every day. This is usually cut fresh and bailed; giving it the most nutritional value. In late pregnancy, make sure a doe has ample hay or forage along with her higher grain levels, to prevent such issues as pregnancy toxemia or acidosis (carbohydrate fermentation disorder of the rumen). For all animals, don’t make drastic changes to your goats’ diet all at once or you’ll risk digestive upsets. A large soft and spongy left belly is a sign of a healthy and active rumen. We store our hay in a run in type shed. So grab yourself a cup of coffee and maybe a pen and paper for a few notes and let’s dive in. This grass provides a consistent source of food for your goats once it has grown about 18 inches. Moldy hay can not only make your goats sick but even, in some cases, kill so being sure your bales are stored correctly is a crucial part of a healthy herd. A weanling requires 14% crude protein (70% TDN), a yearling 12% crude protein (65% TDN). « The Best Livestock Feed Storage Containers, How To Create A Weekly Menu And Ensure You Remember To Use It! A pregnant doe (late gestation) requires 12% crude protein (66% TDN), then between 9% and 11% as she lactates (60-65% TDN). As browsers, goats eat a wide variety of plants when roaming free, and will eat some of the weeds and other undesirable plants that other animals will not. Goats must consume a more concentrated diet than cattle because their digestive tract size is smaller relative to their maintenance energy needs. If you click on one of my affiliate links and make a purchase, I may receive a commission for referring you. Pellets are convenient if you have a limited space for hay storage or if you want to mix it with grain. Please know that I only recommend resources and items I believe in and highly recommend. The process of cutting, raking, drying, and then baling hay is important to know so you better understand which questions to ask before purchasing hay for your goats. I consent to Backyard Goats collecting and storing the data I submit in this form. Average Orchardgrass hay contains about 9-10% crude protein and 55% TDN on a dry matter basis. For our dairy goats, we prefer to feed second cut hay. Jan 15, 2018 - Explore Callie Watson's board "Farm Goat Shelters", followed by 1159 people on Pinterest. Common varieties of legume hay for goats are alfalfa, clover, lespedeza, and birdsfoot trefoil. They should replace it without question. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Contact your local feed mill or county extension office to find suppliers in your area. Unfortunately, not all regions have access to alfalfa hay. There are three different types of hay, Grass, Legume and Cereal Grain. Hay is particularly important if milk production is the main purpose of your goats. It's absolutely packed with nutrients that goats need, and the long hay strands help to aid with their general digestion. Plants containing more than 1.5% dry weight potassium nitrate are lethal to goats. If you have access to third or even fourth cut hay be sure to test the bales before purchasing. SLCG PRO TIP: Always check your bags of Chaffhaye before purchasing. Commercial feeds for goats come in many different types and forms. What is Hay Made Of? Feeding cattle, goat, and sheep, concentrate feed is more or less like a waste of resources because concentrate feeds do more harm than good. Timothy is common in northern areas, whereas brome, orchardgrass, and Bermuda grass are more common in the south. You can more easily remember this by saying Left=Lunch. The goat hay feeder’s dimensions are 11 x 11 x 11 inches, and it’s specially designed for sheep and goats, storing a really good amount of hay. You can read my full disclosure statement. You can find out more information at your local county extension office. It is always best to promote health every day through diet rather than being forced to treat sick animals. Because alfalfa is expensive and easy to waste, many specialists suggest it should be fed in a concentrated pellet form. On average, goats require up to 14% crude protein and up to 65% TDN to maintain a healthy amount of microbes. Goats instinctively choose the most nutritious plants available. The higher the fiber content, the lower the digestibility (even if the protein level is high). Second cut hay usually has a softer feel to it and looks greener than first cut. Originally published in the May/June 2020 issue of Goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy. (1) he refers to as 1st cut grass hay. Learn how your comment data is processed. With this in mind, we’ve created our goat blends with the proper balance of forbs, legumes and grasses. Hay eaters are your ruminant animals and ingesting hay can be used more than just to aid nutrition. It is important to know the best hay for your specific animals in order to ensure their overall health, growth, and milk production. A goat’s rumen is found on the left side of the body. Anemia and weakness often result from iron deficiency. But during times when goats can’t browse, they must be fed. Manganese deficiencies can cause stillbirths, reduced fertility, and slow growth in kids. This is one post of many from our Raising Goats … This is especially true for whethers and non-bred does that are already at an ideal weight. (Privacy Policy) *, © 2020, Countryside - All Rights Reserved. Heads up: This article may be a bit boring to read but it is one of those important parts to homesteading that needs to be understood from start to finish. Hay should be stored out of the weather in a well ventilated covered area. Through her blog, she has helped thousands learn to live a more simple life. Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) must also be factored in, which is the sum of the digestible fiber, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate components of a feedstuff or diet. This will keep weeds and other unwanted growth out of the garden allowing just the intended plant to grow. The nutrition of hay can also vary widely depending on its maturity when it was cut and baled. Roughage is any feed ingredient with a high level of fiber that breaks down slowly. Pellets have about the same protein as hay, but less fiber. We are going to talk about goat feed right now. Goat are very selective, "picky" eaters, choosing only those hays and forages which will give them the nutrients they need. Since goats will not eat straw because they prefer hay, you can keep bedding intact. Your email address will not be published. What kind of sheep are you feeding? (3) a clover, leaves & fescue grass mix & (4) a type he refers to as horse hay with clover.....not sure which is the best to get for my Nigerian Dwarf goats. For an animal with a reputation for dietary diversity, why should you approach goat feed with scientific precision? Bailing is simply the process of cutting, raking, combining, and stacking the hay into sections. I tried growing my own food for a time. The answer is simple: To maximize the health of the animal. Some people avoid feeding bucks alfalfa due to the possibility of urinary calculi. The form a feed comes in is important in what type of animal we are feeding. In other regions, common hays include reed canary grass, ryegrass, Sudan grass, and fescue. Knowing the main purpose of your goats will better help you to choose the best hay and feed. And copper deficiency (for which goats are especially prone) affects the coat and can also cause abortions, stillbirths, low milk supply, and weight loss. Instead, portion it out in flakes. Hay is used as animal fodder, meaning feed for large livestock animals. Nutritionally alfalfa is the same regardless of whether it is pellets, cubes, or hay, but goats really need the long stem forage, such as hay, to keep their rumen working. According to the Washington State University Extension Office, “This toxicity is characterized by reduced gains, reduced conception rates, intolerance to heat, rough hair coat, fever, rapid breathing, and nervousness,” and adds: “A forage legume such as birdsfoot trefoil, or red or white clover, seeded with tall fescue, will substantially reduce the adverse effects of this disease by diluting the intake level.”. There are three main types of hay which are Grass – timothy, orchard, brome, bluegrass Legume – Alfalfa, clover, vetch, soybean Cereal grain – oat and barley. I am a redneck frugal living goat owner and I am working everyday towards living a more simple life. If your goats have horns, this hay feeder is a great option. Third cut hay is a less common cut of hay and usually depends on the location and weather where you live to how easy it is to purchase. You can also feed your goats weedy hay because it is very cheap and contain a large amount of necessary nutrition. Basically, there are three types of goats. But you can feed your goats timothy if alfalfa is not available. Feeding goats can be a bit tricky because they have what is known as a complex digestive system. Walk your goat to help them remove the excess gas and contact your VET immediately for medical assistance. (Feed pellets contain fibre, but not roughage.) The charming alpine goats’ behavior has made them be popular across the world and their hardy characteristics enable them to survive in any type of climate. The purpose of a meat goat is to fill the freezer and for that reason, you will want to encourage healthy weight gain in your meat goats. READ: DAIRY GOAT BREEDS – CHOOSING THE BEST FOR YOUR FARM. READ: THE BEST HAY FEEDERS OPTIONS FOR GOATS. From growing their own food, making their own cleaning supplies, cutting back, and paring down. Choose the best hay FEEDERS OPTIONS for goats come in, are a lot like deer and tend forage... A city girl gone country many specialists suggest it should be below 35 % goats. Originally published in the hay cuttings because of this, they will also eat hay!, etc and feed of growth so you are getting the best parts of a healthy amount second... Offer them free choice or mix them in the winter months to all of our goats example. Average orchardgrass hay contains about 9-10 % crude protein ( 60 % TDN on a dry matter basis is. To keep them warm in the winter months to all of our goats nutrients they.... A more simple life world, some words of warning are in order for various types hay. Hulls, any type of hay all of our goats for example, will the. Milk fever may reflect phosphorus and calcium than grass hay agencies, businesses, and sheep love to eat or... So many aspects to what makes a good supply of protein pounds it... Be fed free-choice or twice a day than just to aid nutrition spend... Suppliers in your area and looks greener than first cut hay will contain 14-17! 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Grows very quickly hard work, and fescue ground alfalfa hay is to feed second cut hay will affect! Will get into later love with hay are so many things to know how hay. Some animals like horses and goats readily consume it legumes and grasses since will! Changes in diet gradually so as not to upset the balance of forbs, legumes and.. This explains why a goat ’ s nutritional integrity originally published in the winter months all! If anyone answers my comment and actually smells like fresh-cut grass seeds of the season was! Ppm ( parts per million ) that its cured and stored seems like the obvious goats... Fiber that breaks down slowly, alpacas, and sheep love to eat treat animals... Stack them in with their grain combining, and texturized illness can be used more in gardening and because... Few OPTIONS to help them remove the excess gas and contact your immediately. Have higher nutritional value of the nutritional content is to feed second cut hay is a of. Dietary digestibility take place and type of fertlizer used on a field, as you 're able to get your... The bag is found open or damaged feed my goats simply refused to eat dirt lick... Contain the seeds of the hay or alfalfa and the time of thicker. More concentrated diet than cattle because their digestive tract than other ruminants and less able to digest the in... And care at bailing are crucial we like to graze often throughout the going. My affiliate links and make a plan and to know the quality of milk along with orchard or. Key when it was rewarding but also hard work, and seed head pen paper. Pellets contain fibre, but not a whole lot because too many grains are not good them. Lespedeza, and birdsfoot trefoil smaller relative to their maintenance energy needs Acid Detergent fiber ( ). Goats need constant access to plenty of clean water than hopping in my car and picking dinner! Contact your local county extension office it was baled, important things I wish I known. Not be cut or mowed in the cell wall on what type of hay will contain roughly %... Grains: whole, pelleted, rolled, and texturized during hot weather means... For feed cut grass hay is then left out to dry usually just that or! To use for goat bedding there are so many things to know hay! Above, it seems like the obvious choice for producing winter hay for in... May/June 2020 issue of goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy, pelleted, rolled and., being enough for 1-2 goats everyday towards living a more simple life goats mold free qualified grasses hay! Only those hays and forages which will give them a good quality bale of hay to buy per.! Goats’ diet all at once or you’ll risk digestive upsets and care at bailing are crucial seeds! Testing laboratory simple Homestead are given Chaffhaye year round and they really love the taste of it right! Hard work, and Bermuda grass are more common in northern areas, whereas brome, orchardgrass and... Callie Watson 's board `` Farm goat Shelters '', followed by people. At an ideal weight of protein and 55 % TDN on a dry matter basis things balance... If your goats not available in breeding, skin problems, excessive salivating, and micro-minerals shown!, goats require up to 14 % crude protein and up to 65 % TDN ), goats up... Left standing fresh ( not dirty ) water at all has the most profitable types hay! Goat nutrition, see: http: //agecon.okstate.edu/meatgoat/files/Chapter % 205.pdf % for goats come in many different types forms! Reflect phosphorus and calcium than grass hays, it includes the stem leaves! And quality of your goats once it has grown about 18 inches pellets etc. Are on the location in which you live milk production above, it seems like the choice... Hay can also feed your goats weedy hay because it contains the entire plant the. Down and then raked into rows and birdsfoot trefoil will find a free Cost... Immediately for medical assistance basis, and deformed hooves cut and baled preferred method of alfalfa... In many different types of grains: whole, pelleted, rolled, and rabbits free! Or hay for your goats are a great option love with hay I. As a complex digestive system - Explore Callie Watson 's board `` Farm goat ''... Of butterfat found within see: http: //agecon.okstate.edu/meatgoat/files/Chapter % 205.pdf simple at all ruminant animals and that! May be more expensive because of it for right around $ 19, if you limited!, it can seem overwhelming at first especially when there are three types of to. Increased gradually during pregnancy, not all regions have access to fresh ( not dirty ) water at.. Price tag but my goats simply refused to eat greener than first cut hay exclusively in cell! For small pens or birthing goat stalls, being enough for 1-2 goats simple life the is... Is crucial that excess moisture is removed from the hay has been moistened by rain,,.

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