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Goats require energy, protein, vitamins,
minerals, fiber (bulk) and water. Energy
(calories) is usually the most limiting
nutrient, whereas protein is the most
expensive. Deficiencies, excesses and
imbalances of vitamins and minerals can
limit animal performance and lead to various
health problems. Fiber is necessary to
maintain a healthy rumen environment and
prevent digestive disturbances. Water is the
cheapest feed ingredient and often the most
neglected. |
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Many factors affect the nutritional
requirements of goats: maintenance, growth,
pregnancy, lactation, fiber production,
activity and environment. As a general rule
of thumb, goats will consume at least 3% of
their body weight on a dry matter basis in
feed. The exact percentage varies according
to the size (weight) of the goat, with
smaller animals needing a higher intake
(percentage-wise) to maintain their weight.
Maintenance requirements increase as the
level of the goat's activity increases. For
example, a goat that has to travel farther
for feed will have a higher maintenance
requirement than a goat in a feed lot.
Environmental conditions also affect
maintenance requirements. In cold and severe
weather, goats require more feed to maintain
body heat. The added stresses of pregnancy,
lactation and growth further increase
nutrient requirements. The following chart
gives the nutritional requirements for
various classes of meat goats. |
