Feeding alfalfa hay to milking goats is very beneficial due to its high nutritional value. Also, in non-grazing areas where enough pasture is not available, goat keepers can absolutely rely on alfalfa as a nutrition source for their goats. So it would seem that some alfalfa is a good thing, and would help to balance the heavy phosphorous in grass. However, hoof trimming is not very challenging. Just portion it up and you can even mix it in with regular hay. So many questions! So, you may need to feed one to one, and a half-pound of alfalfa pellets to your young growing goat and two to three pounds of alfalfa pellets to your lactating does. So, it is great alongside a cereal grain diet. Vicki. However, there have been reports that alfalfa sprouts contain high amount of phytoestrogens which might potentially create hormonal imbalance in goats resulting to false pregnancy or infertility. You need to be careful, though, when you first offer your goats alfalfa cubes. Hope you can find something they'll like with little waste. If so, then this could be harmful to your goats health, as alfalfa can potentially harbor bacteria and other contaminants that can lead to digestive problems. This is why you should start adding alfalfa to their diet about 6 weeks before they start kidding so that their body gets used to the extra protein. Did you know that alfalfa is one of the oldest crops that is solely cultivated for foraging purposes? It is important to trim their hooves every few weeks as well in order for them not to develop foot sores from walking on hard surfaces or getting caught up with the ground underneath them if they are outside during inclement weather conditions such as rain, sleet, snow and mud which can cause problems down the road too. Excess protein is never a good idea for the goats unless they have immediate use, like in pregnancy or milk production. If not properly harvested, there is a risk of nitrate poisoning. Goats need a few different things to supplement their diet of mostly hay, and alfalfa is a great option for this, whether in pellet form or in hay form. In general, goats need three to four percent of their body weight of hay every day. Can Goats Eat Alfalfa? What You Need to Know! - Good Sidekick (Health Benefits/Risks), Can Goats Eat Honeysuckle? Remember if you are feeding goats good quality hay (i.e., not moldy or dusty) then dont worry too much about what else goes into their diet. (Health Care Facts, FAQs, and More), Can 1 Year Old Drink Goats Milk? Chelsea Alfalfa isnt just healthy for male goats it comes with a plethora of benefits. Alfalfa hay is also popular for feeding goats and has more protein, vitamins, and minerals than grass hays, typically. I would make sure they eat their hay, and then give them a scoop of pellets. Feeding Pygmy Goats - Goats and Nutrition - GoatWorld.Com I learn alot from this thead,and Have changed my ways. Luckily, all of these tests arent necessary for proper nutrition of the average goat, so dont beat yourself up if you dont do them. Most grains are usually high in phosphorus and, if consumed in abundance, can make your pets calcium deficit. When feeding alfalfa to your male goat, its important to consider factors such as the quality of the feed, the size of the pellets, and the time of year. Glad to hear Petey made a full recovery. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, About | Privacy Policy |Contact | Advertise, Risks involved in overfeeding alfalfa hay to goats, Between 3 days to 3 weeks old kids: 3-4 times a day, Between 3 to 6 weeks old kids: twice a day. Alfalfa hay should be fed in moderation because it contains a high level of protein which could cause health problems for the goat if eaten too much. Can Goats Eat Alfalfa Hay? [SHORT READ] - Goat Reboot Is alfalfa good or not so good for Alpine dairy goats. Ideally, it should be made up of small pellets that are grown at a local farm rather than large pieces that have been frozen and shipped from a different location. However, excess of anything is wrong. Hay provides both nutrition and roughage or fiber, that assists kid goats in rumen development. I feed my full sized goats pelleted feed ; two of those plastic scoops they sell for pet food once a day. (Nutritional Facts, Benefits & FAQs), Can You Drink Raw Goat Milk On Gaps Diet? Funny as it might seem, goats don't like eating off the ground. Yes, goats can eat alfalfa pellets. The exact type of supplement will depend upon the quality of your hay and how its nutritional composition matches the specific needs of your goats. So the eating quantity will be approximately 4 pounds by does in winter and rainy seasons whereas the bucks eat 2 pounds per day. Remember how we talked about alfalfa flowers at the beginning of the article? Begin by feeding them the hay in small amounts, and increase it gradually. WE never gave grain. As with all hay, nutritional content varies widely according to management and harvesting conditions and can be higher or lower than these figures. There are always caveats when it comes to dietary questions, and alfalfa is no exception. Contents show. Hay is sold as first, second, or third cutting. Because alfalfa is easy to waste, the specialists argue that it is best that you invest in pellets. French and American Alpines, Purebred Nubians -. If you are a goat owner, you have probably heard about Chaffhaye. There are roughly 100 different species of Fescue but the most cultivated species are Tall Fescue and Meadow Fescue. ), Can Goats Eat Rabbit Food? Goats are not difficult to take care of. In each case, goats will need supplementation of some type to maintain optimum productivity when hay is fed. The ideal calciumhosphorus ratio is 2:1 or higher. Pelleted grain mixes or grain, in general, can also be supplied to goats as it can provide the necessary vitamins and minerals. Goats can consume and make good use of pastures and of hay. And ranges from like $4 to $7 a bale. Orchardgrass is a popular cool-season perennial bunchgrass that is grown mainly in the Midwest, Northeast and Northwest. Choosing which type is best for your operation will vary according to individual circumstances. This product is a combination of various types of forages and it can be used as a substitute for hay. Protein requirements are likely to be greater in farm goats than pet goats, so, again, you must still ration it carefully for this reason. Alfalfa is not a health concern for does but we do not recommend a 100% alfalfa diet. Leaving the rest, roughly 1/2 the bale. good luck, I hope you find what you need. Our does get alfalfa pellets, alfalfa hay, mixed grass pasture and a grain mix when they are on the stand for milking or when we are feeding them 100 plus days bred. Obviously, one disadvantage of this forage is that it must be reseeded often, which can become expensive. This same vet said "Please, please don't get wethers", because of UC. But in taking care of them longterm you should use ammonium chloride. For more information, contact yourlocal SWEETLIXdealeror call1-87-SWEETLIXto speak with a SWEETLIXnutritionist. Both are high yielding, broad-leafed perennial bunchgrasses. Ultimately, whether you decide to feed your goat alfalfa or another type of feed will depend on their individual needs and preferences as well as your own research and judgment about what is best for them. In general, by taking these simple steps, you can help keep your male goats safe and healthy when feeding them alfalfa. 6 It's what they mostly eat in the winter when they don't have access to the range.. This way you can eliminate water waste. A great source of Calcium for the growing kids. So just plain grass hay is actually MORE dangerous for calculi than just plain alfalfa hay, since just plain grass hay typically falls below the minimum 2:1 calcium. Vicki addresses something I have come across in trying to help other people understand about alfalfa. If you are still not sure what goat shed design best fits the space that you have available, take a look at the models that we have selected for you and added in the buying guide that we have prepared on the topic. Think of mineral/vitamin supplementation as insurance. So, goats unfamiliar with alfalfa pellets might overeat, since the nutrient density is much higher than they might realize. OH there is so much to learn. Grass Hay vs. Alfalfa . As a result, toxicity symptoms include reduced feed intake and milk production (animals spend more time in shade and water and less time grazing) and poor conception rates. Just be aware of the different protein levels between alfalfa and regular hay, make careful use of portioning, and youll have a great addition to your goats diet. for 15 years in CA, we raised bucks on Alfalfa pellets or alfalfa hay on a dry lot. it may also take them a day or two to get used to eating it. As I emphasized earlier in this article, the nutritional quality of the hay is more important that the actual type of hay. Hay is the preferred food for goats. The nutrient composition of alfalfa is such that it has 13-20 percent crude protein and 50-63 percent TDN. At the feed store, sometimes ignorance is bliss. The protein content is relatively low compared with alfalfa pellets. If your goats are eating cereal grains, there may be a build up of acidity in their digestive systems. In 15 years of feeding burmuda grass hay and alfalfa pellets alone to my bucks and wethers, I never had a case of stones. You could make a hay rack or use a laundry basket or something. This plant is a good source of nutrition for them, providing essential vitamins and minerals. I was doing a little research on the internet awhile back. And make sure they always have access to clean water at all times! Goats love foraging for food. There are a number of different risks associated with feeding alfalfa to male goats. Excess protein can be converted into energy to a certain extent, but this is a very expensive way to provide energy. Of all the livestock animals, goats are the ones with the thinnest skin and fur coat. On the other hand, it has been noted that alfalfa sprouts nutrients such as calcium and magnesium may lead to toxicity if too much will be given to your pet over time. Unless you live in an area where alfalfa is grown locally, this hay option can be quite expensive. The grass hay pellets are more suitable for bucks and kids at an early age. Fescue endophyte infection level is variable from field to field. I feee alfalfa pellets to all my does and bucks and have never had problems. Advantages of alfalfa are that it is an excellent source of protein and is highly palatable to livestock Good quality alfalfa hay delivers 15-20% crude protein and 55-60% TDN. Hay Treehugger / Dan Amos Hay is the main source of nutrients for goats apart from their range. Always remember that you often get what you pay for in terms of nutritional quality. If you find the entire process difficult, you can ask your local vet to do it for you. Contents show However, it is not enough to tend to all the nutritional needs of goats, so you will have to add more nutritious food to your goats' diet to balance the dietary requirements. Can goats eat alfalfa sprouts? May 4, 2014 (Edited) I can't see what that would hurt if your willing to invest in some. best fits the space that you have available, take a look at the models that we have selected for you and added in the buying guide that we have prepared on the topic. Alfalfa is also extremely high in protein, which boosts milk production and strengthens bones. All goat owners out there should know that, because alfalfa is rich in proteins and calcium, it should only be fed to goats in certain situations. Sweetlix - What kind of hay is best for goats? All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It's still early !! When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Alfalfa runs around 5:1. Mix things up a bit, and you are good to go. Before you start feeding your pet goat too much grain mixes, you should remember that grain is very rich in fats. The same is the case with alfalfa but in its case, a little sensitive too. The answer to this questions is similar to the one above. Brown hay can also be the result of old hay that has been stored too long or in improper conditions. My bucks get alfalfa pellets with alfalfa/orchard hay. Yes, goats can eat alfalfa cubes. You can either purchase sprouted alfalfa seeds from the market or online or can sprout them at home. It can cause digestive and respiratory problems, among other things. To make the process of selecting grains easier for novices, there are manufacturers that distribute special mixes that were formulated to be fed to goats. With out humidity I can not use a hog feeder or other self feeder, so just put out as much as they will clean up twice a day. Heres everything you need to know, What is the purpose of goats with beards? You must log in or register to reply here. Feeding alfalfa pellets to your goats are only advisable in certain circumstances, such as if hay is not available in enough quantity, your goat is in growing age, or if you have a lactating doe. Ryegrass is high-quality forage with excellent palatability that works extremely well for goats in rotational grazing systems. Goats need to be fed hay that is high in fiber, but also has protein levels that are adequate enough for their age as well as calcium levels they require on a daily basis. Alfalfa is said to help with this, but can in the quantities required cause other problems like zinc deficiency. Alfalfa should be portioned carefully when giving it to your goats, and should be fed alongside grass hay. will determine the type of supplement needed. Hay and alfalfa have to be stored carefully in order to keep them edible, and this can present problems for those not living on a large farm. If your local hay source is unwilling to test the hay before you purchase it, be sure to have this forage analysis performed soon after the purchase. Theyre rich in antioxidants, Vitamins C and K, folate, magnesium, and copper. Remember Alfalfa is a complete ratio so when fed alone with grass hay you don't have the problems that you do when feeding grain. Grass hay ranges from 1:1 to 1.5:1. The cheapest option isnt always the best option. I've tried generic bermuda, Tifton (a type of bermuda), "grass" hays, alfalfa and am now using an orchard grass/alfalfa mix. I know the saying goes curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back but theres no harm in being a bit adventurous right? Feeding alfalfa hay along with regular hay is the best way to follow. Alfalfa sprouts are said to be good for goats because they provide them with dietary fiber. Now the bucks when in rutt and working got grain with ammonium cloride in it along with the alfalfa. (Helpful Content!). Can goats eat alfalfa cubes? This way, the pastures can regenerate and you can also avoid having to deal with parasite problems. (Nutrition Facts, Benefits & FAQs), Can Sheep Eat Goat Food? In my opinion, it is much better to do business with a hay producer who is willing to work with you regarding forage testing. Thank you everyone for your help . It's just fermented alfalfa. Let's find out! Be careful not to feed too much so they don't bloat. Contact your local Cooperative Extension agent or feed store representative for more information on your options. In another thread it was said that it is the phosphorous that causes the urinary stone problem so alfalfa with it's calcium is fine. What To Feed Goats: Goat Feeding Diet on a Farm, In the Wild and During Grain runs 1:6 to 1:8, depending on the type of grain. Linda, yes, pellets are an acceptable substitute but watch the protein level. Alfalfa, if fed along with hay, constitutes a perfect balanced diet for your goats. These purple flowers of the alfalfa plants are later converted into fruits, and every single fruit consists of roughly 10-20 seeds. Feeding Alfalfa to Goats: The Pros and Cons Alfalfa is an important part of a healthy diet for male goats, as it provides them with key nutrients and helps support their growth and development. Watch out for that! The primary cause of urinary calculi is excessive PHOSPHORUS in the calcium to phosphorus ratio. However, alfalfa hay contains much higher levels of protein than grass hay, and therefore should not be given on a free choice basis. I'm not the one who started this thread, but I hate to see it die so soon. All you need to do is soak them in a bowl of water overnight, drain the water the next morning, rinse them, and store them in a dry and cool place for about 8-10 hours. Goats are herbivores and can eat a variety of plants. I feel like I am a sponge on here soaking up information. Can Goats Eat Alfalfa Pellets? (Benefits, Hazards and FAQs) I think you are right, Laura. Ultimately, whether or not alfalfa is the right choice for your male goat will depend on a variety of different factors, so be sure to do your research and consult with a veterinarian before making a decision. Yes, goats can eat alfalfa timothy hay. Can Goats Eat Alfalfa? Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Feeding Early to mid-winter is a time when does should be in early pregnancy. Grass hay is a good source of food because it includes a moderate amount of proteins. It seems like there's a major, common misunderstanding with regard to the calcium in alfalfa. Besides, you can find special hoof trimmers in most farm supply stores. Many report that their goats diet is mainly alfalfa hay, and that they are healthy if a little on the heavy side. The importance of good forage Is alfalfa hay safe? Also, dont feed them more than a couple of alfalfa cubes per goat per day. They can also eat alfalfa leaves, which are a good source of fiber. | Disclaimer. Instead, you should focus on introducing new foods gradually. I heard that they should just be eating grass instead. The hay doesn't have much alfalfa in it though. To avoid bloating, it is best that you avoid putting your goat on a pasture that is both wet and rich in alfalfa or clover. This allows their bodies to easily digest and assimilate the rich nutrients contained in the alfalfa, helping them to maintain optimal health and vitality throughout the growing season. Urinary calculi comes from too much phosphorus and not enough calcium in the total diet. Minerals are also a vital part of the day-to-day nutrition of a goat. I feed grain; oats, corn, soybeans, barley, I don't feed a pelleted grain. How to prevent the risks associated with feeding alfalfa to male goats? You can try Craig's list search for "hay for sale". Do you feed a pelleted goat food besides the alfalfa to your dairy does? Once grown, bucks and wethers who are pets need little to no grain ever.bucks who are hard working of course need grain for calories and to build their bulk back up from rut. Male goats are known for their high energy levels and voracious appetites, and they need a nourishing diet in order to thrive. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. So it would seem that some alfalfa is a good thing, and would help to balance the heavy phosphorous in grass. Also, if it is overgrazed (leaving less than 3-4 inch stubble), root depletion is common and kill off can occur. No. Pregnant and young goats should be fed with it as their protein and energy requirements are higher than those of a normal goat. A single goat requires three to four percent of its bodyweight of hay every day to remain healthy. Feeding Goats Puget Sound Goat Rescue If you're giving your goats alfalfa pellets, try to only give them a little bit each day. Alfalfa should be introduced into the diet of a pregnant doe gradually because any sudden changes can lead to serious health problems. Grass hay may contain a blend of different grasses. It can be a good choice for feeding milking goats as it has more protein, energy and calcium. If your pet goat is a full-grown adult, you should leave them to roam and graze freely and provide them with concentrated feed once a day. Once you establish the forage species and variety that performs best in your situation, it is important to test each and every lot of hay cut (a lot is defined as hay from the same field, that has been managed and harvested (within 48 hours) under the same conditions). In others, only minerals and vitamins will be needed. You can do either. Well, actually any one of them can be. Still, every four to six weeks you have to trim their hooves. Most grains are usually high in phosphorus and, if consumed in abundance, can make your pets calcium deficit. While it is popular as alfalfa in North America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, it is referred to as lucerne. Alfalfa grows best in warmer, temperate climates and consists of small, purple flowers.
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