In goat breeding, it is important to determine the feed base for goats
Goat breeding is, for the most part, grazing and feeding the herd. To get a lot of milk, goats need to be fed properly. Since the goat is a ruminant, it can fill its stomach all day long. Therefore, if you are keeping a goat in a barn or on a leash, then it is important to give her juicy feed:
- pumpkin;
- zucchini;
- tops of plants;
- alfalfa.
It is better to give alfalfa or mustard grafted so as not to cause an upset stomach.
The goat can digest the roots and tops of many plants, but some herbs are poisonous to it. For example, it is strictly forbidden to give a goat tops of a tomato or corn. Such food is guaranteed to cause stomach poisoning and bloating, which can be fatal.
Let's consider the principles of compiling a feed base for goats in more detail.
Green and juicy forage, grazing
To get a lot of milk, goats need to be given herbaceous plants and plenty of water. Therefore, in the summer, the herd is driven out to graze in the forest or meadow. In the forest, goats can find their own food on their own. These animals are very fond of spruce branches and tree bark. They eat branches of young shrubs. Goats also eat viburnum and elderberry berries. Thanks to summer grazing, they receive the necessary vitamins and minerals.
With free grazing, goats should not be allowed near ponds or stagnant water bodies, because they can become infected with parasites, which are very difficult to remove. They cause bloating in the intestines and reduce milk production in goats.
If you do not graze your goats during the summer, prepare branches from various trees. Add chopped pears and apples to the feed. Also add zucchini and pumpkin to the food, but in limited quantities. These foods can cause intestinal upset.
Solid feed
Ground grains of corn or barley are used as solid feed. Also, bran and oat flour must be added to the feed mixture. Such food is steamed in hot water and cooled. A liquid mixture of grain feed is called "swill". It increases milk production in goats.
It is worth remembering that solid and juicy feed must be alternated so as not to cause intestinal diseases.
Also, every morning goats need to be given hay or grass to stimulate the stomach. In winter, hay should be the main part of the diet. Goats are given dried wormwood to prevent parasitic diseases and increase immunity. In winter, water or swill is slightly warmed up.