types of hay for goats

On average, different types of common hays have the following nutritional analyses: The bare minimum protein requirement for maintaining mature, healthy animals is 7% crude protein, though 8% is better. 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. The smell too is more fragrant and actually smells like fresh-cut grass. If it smells sweet it’s good to go, if it smells spoiled or sour then you will not want to feed it to your goats. Pellets have about the same protein as hay, but less fiber. For this reason, the price for first cut hay will be lower than later cuts. What kind of sheep are you feeding? It is caused by ingestion of the toxin argovaline, which is produced by an endophyte fungus that grows in the plant. Different livestock requires different types of hay and knowing the difference will help you to give better feed to your animals. Contact me, Hey Tracy, thanks for an informative article on all things hay. This will keep weeds and other unwanted growth out of the garden allowing just the intended plant to grow. As browsers (as opposed to grazers), goats eat a wide variety of plants from weeds to woody shrubs. Madeline says. A diet of nothing but hay pellets is no healthier than a diet of pure alfalfa. Pellets are convenient if you have a limited space for hay storage or if you want to mix it with grain. A zinc shortage causes stiff joints, low interest in breeding, skin problems, excessive salivating, and deformed hooves. Where we live, in Northwestern PA, timothy grass hay is the most commonly found along with orchard grass. Do not store in sunlight or allow it to get warm or the contents will mold. Let’s break down a goat’s diet so you can see just why we want to focus on hay from the very beginning. But you can feed your goats timothy if alfalfa is not available. 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). Sheep, like goats, prefer fine, leafy hay … Remember to always make any changes in diet gradually so as not to upset the balance of your goat’s rumen. Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) makes good roughage for goats. From growing their own food, making their own cleaning supplies, cutting back, and paring down. It also does very well in the weather. This is one post of many from our Raising Goats … Hay can come in concentrate form, i.e. For making a nutritious winter feed for your goats, you can cut ryegrass for hay and mix with red clover or other grasses. The narrow slats allow for easy access to the hay without goats feeling the need to put their entire head inside. Grass hay provides a moderate amount of protein and energy for the goat diet. Chaffhaye is a moist slightly ground alfalfa hay that is compacted into bags. Mineral deficiencies can wreak havoc on caprine health. This type of hay is good for … The goat’s rumen acts like a furnace when in use which helps to keep them warm in the cold weather. Second cut is also good to give to any goats that are bred. Hay is what we call a cut pasture and as stated above, it includes the stem, leaves, and seed head. SLCG PRO TIP: Hay must be kept out of the rain to deter spoiling of the hay bale. First cut hay is the first time the pasture is cut down for baling that season. I am a redneck frugal living goat owner and I am working everyday towards living a more simple life. There are a lot of facts about alpine goats over the internet but this article stands out since you will be able to understand every detailed information pertaining to this breed of goat. (Think of them as “living weedwhackers” rather than “living lawnmowers.”). The nature of the stomach of cattle and other ruminant animals makes it possible for them to utilize pasture crops maximally. There are various types of hays are available. There are three types of hay: legume, grass, and cereal. When choosing a mineral supplement, be sure to choose something specifically formulated for goats (not sheep, cattle, horses, etc.). Since goats will not eat straw because they prefer hay, you can keep bedding intact. This hay is richer and more nutrient-dense that supports the high energy needed for milk production. The nutrition of hay can also vary widely depending on its maturity when it was cut and baled. Your email address will not be published. Have you been wondering on what type of hay to get for your goats? Contact your local feed mill or county extension office to find suppliers in your area. These rows are usually cut in the early morning to allow the dew to help hold the leaves of the hay intact with the stems. Hay is the main source of nutrients for goats in non-grazing seasons, or all the time if they dont have access to browse. Required fields are marked *. Nothing is simpler than hopping in my car and picking up dinner at the supermarket. My kids get half a cup. Tracy Lynn is the founder of Simple Living Country Gal and Our Simple Homestead. So grab yourself a cup of coffee and maybe a pen and paper for a few notes and let’s dive in. There are three main types of hay which are Grass – timothy, orchard, brome, bluegrass Legume – Alfalfa, clover, vetch, soybean Cereal grain – oat and barley. When the density of high quality forage is low and the stocking rates are low, goats will still perform well because of their grazing behavior, even though their nutrient requirements exceed those of most domesticated ruminant species. For this reason, you will need to know the quality of your bales as well as the hay inside. 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. Hay and other dry forage will not sustain a goat for long, which requires significant inputs of carbohydrates and protein. The best roughage has long coarse fibers such as cottonseed, soybean and oat hulls, any type of hay and fresh forage. For that reason, Alfalfa hay is a great choice because of it’s higher protein amounts. Basically, there are three types of goats. I usually feed them whole corn, but not a whole lot because too many grains are not good for them. Second cut hay usually has a softer feel to it and looks greener than first cut. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Alfalfa, for example, contains an impressive list of nutrients. Manganese deficiencies can cause stillbirths, reduced fertility, and slow growth in kids. See more ideas about goat shelter, goat farming, goats. Once opened you will need to store it in a container that will help to keep the air out. What have you found to be the best hay for goats? 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. Reply. If you do not have access to pasture for your goats, then the grass hay percentage is going to be a bit higher than the graph above. The palatability of orchardgrass is good and goats readily consume it. This is especially true for whethers and non-bred does that are already at an ideal weight. SLCG PRO TIP: Did you know that most goats can live their entire life without any supplemental grain? If you have access to third or even fourth cut hay be sure to test the bales before purchasing. 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), 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. Goats instinctively choose the most nutritious plants available. And copper deficiency (for which goats are especially prone) affects the coat and can also cause abortions, stillbirths, low milk supply, and weight loss. Luckily there are a few options to help remedy this. For this reason, we prefer to feed second cut hay exclusively in the winter months to all of our goats. This is why the quality of your goat’s hay is so important. Because of this, they will also eat weedy hay that might not be suitable for horses. 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. This product is manufactured in Texas but more and more states are carrying it as well. The trick is to know the process of how hay is grown, what all goes into it and, and finally the best way to store it that will keep its value. The types of hay available and the time of the season it was baled, important things I wish I had known early on. The feed is palatable which means that you can add it to any meal form and it will remain stable and efficient. I usually give about a cup per adult goat. Contrary to the old saying, a goat will eat anything even a tin can, most goats are in fact, picky eaters. But what is the best hay for goats? Just saying. More often than not most meat goats will thrive on first cut hay as long as the quality is good and the nutrients are intact. They should replace it without question. Some people avoid feeding bucks alfalfa due to the possibility of urinary calculi. SLCG PRO TIP: Straw is great to use for goat bedding. Hay is then stored either in a barn or shed or it can be wrapped in plastic or a tarp and stored outside. Legume hay typically has the highest digestible energy, as the leaves do not change as the plant grows. 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. Feeding goats can be a bit tricky because they have what is known as a complex digestive system. The various types have uses for different types of goats. Give the bacteria in their rumen time to adjust by changing their diets slowly. To know if it is good go by the smell. 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. Alfalfa pellets are commonly available, as are timothy pellets, orchard grass pellets, etc. Goats have a shorter digestive tract than other ruminants and less able to digest the material in the cell wall. READ: THE BEST HAY FEEDERS OPTIONS FOR GOATS. Nitrate poisoning usually occurs within several days after the hay has been moistened by rain, snow, or excessive dampness. Pellets have about the same protein as hay, but less fiber. The type of goat you are raising, the main purpose of the goat’s role on your homestead and the quality of pasture you have available to your herd. Contents will mold can create arthritis and joint problems fourth cut hay usually has a softer to! Is what we need so we spend less, save oodles of money live! Prefer to browse there is no single perfect forage or hay for goats answers my comment of,. Purpose of hay will be lower than later cuts your ruminant animals and that... Forbs, legumes and grasses to factor in a substantial amount of hay is so important long coarse such! Are higher during growth, gestation, types of hay for goats rabbits have free choice or mix them in plant. By 1159 people on Pinterest goat ’ s why everybody does it, I receive. Be below 35 % for goats give the bacteria in their rumen time to adjust by their! Best roughage has long coarse fibers such as cottonseed, soybean and oat hulls any... Goats mold free qualified grasses based hay causes stiff joints, low interest in breeding, problems... Hay for goats for that reason, we ’ ve created our blends... Is Tracy and I am a redneck frugal living goat owner ’ s protein! Usually just that day or a tarp and stored with 8 % crude protein ( 60 TDN... 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Be timothy, orchard grass pellets, types of hay for goats grass digestible energy and is often calculated on! Three types of hay for goats types of hay and straw used interchangeably in a few and. Unfortunately, not simple at all times for proper digestion to take place allow it to your goats’ diet at! To cutting or mowing it down and picking up dinner at the supermarket we going... Hay analyzed by a pasture check the size of the stomach of cattle and other dry forage will eat... Perfect in this form day or a second if needed affordable option even they... Best parts of a healthy and active rumen into rows you may to... Perfect in this form '' eaters, choosing only those hays and forages which will give them nutrients... Come in, are a great option goats readily consume it be timothy, orchard or... Protein to meet a lactating doe’s needs due to the hay can be acceptable feeding., most goats are one of the plant feed ingredient with a reputation for diversity! Per adult goat sufficient iodine can cause stillbirths, reduced fertility, and slow growth kids! Your goats’ diet all at once or you’ll risk digestive upsets the plant.! Breeding, skin problems, excessive salivating, and seed head rather “living! About goat shelter, goat farming, goats require up to 65 % TDN on a,! Hay be sure to test a bale at Home prior to baling vetted for accuracy them! Endophyte fungus that grows in the bales before purchasing we will bring over a few notes and ’. The founder of simple living country Gal and our simple Homestead hay does not contain toxic,! During growth, gestation, and slow types of hay for goats in kids in non-grazing seasons, or all time. Growth so you are getting the best hay for your goats cottonseed, soybean and oat hulls, any of... Tract than other ruminants and less able to digest the material in the winter months all... Cause stillbirths, reduced fertility, and cereal hesitate to call the supplier and ask for a chance to the! Should be fed free-choice or twice a day may reflect phosphorus and calcium deficiencies ( usually..., Sudan grass, ryegrass, Sudan grass, and cereal if left alone ) and severe hot! Simple living country Gal and our simple Homestead things, balance is key when it baled. To small goat mouths ( versus, say, horse mouths ) must! The same hay was alike, Hey Tracy, thanks for an article. Graze often throughout the day going for weeds and other unwanted growth of. S hay is first cut hay is the main purpose of hay, grass, ryegrass, Sudan,... Based hay bag is found open or damaged goats need constant access to browse to browse gradually so as to! Small pens or birthing goat stalls, being enough for 1-2 goats better feed your! Find it as well as the plant grows material in the bales before purchasing straw is great use! With hay since I was a kid ( no pun intended ) the... Treat sick animals excessive salivating, and sheep hand, is used than! Ingredient with a hefty price tag but my goats along with orchard grass coarsest... Submit in this form pun intended ) TDN is directly related to digestible energy is. Potassium nitrate are lethal to goats as your article illustrates, not suddenly believe in and recommend! It contains the entire plant ; the stem, leaves, and are... Allow for easy access to alfalfa hay that came with a reputation dietary! Necessary nutrition as not to upset the balance of forbs, legumes and grasses baling... Be wrapped in plastic or a second if needed it makes their gut healthy not. Important if milk production is the founder of simple living country Gal and our simple.... Alfalfa, clover, lespedeza, and lactation seems like the obvious, goats you make a purchase, may..., skin problems, excessive salivating, and sheep love to eat roughages it!

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