How to care for a goat and how to feed it

Tell us how to care for a goat? Last year, my husband and I retired and, leaving the apartment for the children, moved to live in a dacha. Since we are not used to sitting around, we decided to have a goat. And we will be taken care of, and the grandchildren - useful milk when they come to visit.

Unlike a cow, a goat is a more “compact” animal, which makes it easier to keep. And less space is needed, and the character is calm: she responds in kind to care and affection. But in order to get healthy milk, you need to know how to care for a goat. A balanced diet and a cozy, clean barn are what the horned nurse needs.

The goat does not tolerate loneliness: it constantly bleats and while walking can join someone else's herd in search of a pair. Therefore, it is better to keep your small herd of at least 3 individuals.

Conditions for keeping goats

summer grazing

In summer, the animals spend most of the day outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and lush grass in the grazing area. But for the winter, you need to take care of a warm pet shed. It is better to build it away from water bodies and in a bright area, making windows on the south side. Goats don't like dampness, and natural light can help save energy costs.

For goats, a room with a height of up to 2.8 m is enough. Inside the wall, you need to plaster or anoint with clay - it will be more convenient to whiten them. This is necessary not for beauty, but for disinfection. Whitewashing should be carried out 2 times a year (in spring and autumn) using lime.

goat's rue The shed must be insulated so that in winter the temperature in it does not drop below 6 ° C. It is also good to close up all the cracks - drafts are dangerous and fraught with disease. To maintain cleanliness and durability, it is recommended to fill the floor with a screed, while at a slight incline. It will serve more than one generation, but liquid waste products will drain and collect in one place.

How to Care for a Goat - Keeping Clean and Diet

In order for the animals to look neat and not get sick, it is imperative to lay a thick bedding in the shed and change it often. Most often, straw is used for this purpose. Also regularly comb the goat with a brush so that the hair does not get lost and lice do not appear, and clean the hooves. Every week, to prevent the appearance of insects, the cattle are cleaned with a soda solution.

In winter, it is better to clean manure less often than in summer. This will help keep the barn warm.

The quantity, quality and taste of milk depends on what and how much the goat eats. Her diet should be varied and balanced and include (per day):

hay (not less than 2 kg);
twig feed (2 dried brooms with a diameter of about 10 cm and a length of up to 50 cm from twigs of acacia, willow, poplar and other trees);
milled grain (barley, corn, bran - up to 1 kg per adult animal and 2 times less for a kid);
juicy feed (fresh grass, beet and carrot tops, cabbage).

A little salt should be added to grain feed all year round (up to 10 g per goat).

The goat should be fed no more than 4 times a day with equal breaks. You also need to make sure that she drinks clean water. You need to water the animal an hour before meals at least 3 times a day.

Video about winter keeping and caring for goats