10 Best Times to Feed Your Goats: Daily Schedule Guide

Having a proper feeding schedule for your goats is crucial for their health, growth, and overall well-being. While goats are known for eating almost anything, they need a structured diet with specific nutrients to thrive and maintain good health.

Whether you’re raising goats for milk, meat, or as pets you’ll need to understand the right balance of hay, grain, mineral, and freshwater they require throughout different stages of their lives. A well-planned feeding schedule not only keeps your goats healthy but also helps manage your time and resources efficiently while preventing common digestive issues that can arise from improper feeding practices.

Understanding Basic Nutritional Needs of Goats

Meeting your goats’ nutritional requirements is crucial for their health productivity and longevity. Here’s what you need to know about their dietary needs.

Essential Nutrients for Healthy Goats

• Protein (16-18%) supports muscle growth reproduction and milk production
• Fiber (12-15%) maintains proper rumen function and digestion
• Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities and body maintenance
• Minerals like calcium phosphorus and salt are vital for bone health and bodily functions
• Vitamins A D & E support immune system development and reproduction
• Fresh clean water (2-3 gallons daily) enables proper digestion and nutrient absorption

Dietary Components

• Quality grass hay forms the foundation of a goat’s diet (70% of total intake)
• Legume hay (alfalfa clover) offers higher protein and calcium content
• Commercial grain mixes provide concentrated nutrients for lactating or growing goats
• Browse plants (tree leaves brambles) that supply natural vitamins and minerals
• Pelleted feed ensures balanced nutrition in a convenient form
• Mineral blocks supplement essential trace elements

Creating a Daily Feeding Schedule

Establishing consistent feeding times helps maintain your goats’ digestive health and makes management easier.

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Morning Feeding Routine

Feed your goats between 6-8 AM daily. Start with fresh hay accounting for 2% of their body weight. Provide grain portions based on life stage: 1 pound for lactating 0.5 pounds for dry and 0.25 pounds for kids. Ensure fresh clean water and mineral blocks are available. Clean feeding areas before distributing feed.

Evening Feeding Routine

Schedule evening feeding 8-10 hours after morning feeding. Offer fresh hay similar to morning portions. Provide remaining grain allowance if feeding twice daily. Replace water and check mineral block levels. Remove any leftover or spoiled feed to prevent mold growth. Allow access to night grazing when weather permits.

Establishing Proper Portion Sizes

Calculating the right portion sizes for your goats ensures optimal nutrition while preventing waste and overfeeding.

Feed Amounts Based on Age

Kids (0-3 months) need milk or replacer plus free-choice hay starting at 2 weeks. Weanlings (3-6 months) require 1/2 pound grain daily with unlimited hay. Adult goats need 2-4 pounds of hay daily with 1/2-1 pound grain for maintenance.

Feed Amounts Based on Weight

Feed hay at 2-4% of body weight daily. For a 100-pound goat provide 2-4 pounds of hay split between feedings. Add 1/2 pound grain per 100 pounds for maintenance or 1 pound grain for working/breeding bucks.

Feed Amounts for Pregnant Does

The first trimester does need standard maintenance portions. Increase grain by 1/2 pound during the second trimester. The third trimester requires doubling grain to 1-1.5 pounds daily while maintaining hay at 3-4% body weight.

Managing Hay and Forage Access

Proper hay and forage management ensures optimal nutrition while preventing waste and overconsumption.

Free-Choice vs. Scheduled Hay Feeding

Free-choice feeding allows goats constant access to hay but can lead to 25-30% waste. Scheduled feeding (2-3 times daily) offers better portion control and reduces waste by 10-15%. For most hobby farms scheduled feeding proves more economical while ensuring goats maintain healthy eating patterns.

Pasture Grazing Guidelines

Rotate pastures every 3-4 weeks to prevent overgrazing and parasite buildup. Limit grazing to 6-8 hours daily and maintain 4-6 inches of grass height. Provide 1/4-1/2 acre per goat for optimal grazing. Keep goats off wet pastures to prevent hoof problems and internal parasites.

Providing Fresh Water Throughout the Day

Clean fresh water access is crucial for goats’ health digestion hydration and milk production.

Water Requirements by Season

Goats need 1-3 gallons of water daily depending on weather conditions:

• Summer months require 2-3 gallons per goat due to increased evaporation and heat stress
• Winter months need 1-2 gallons of warm water (45-50°F) to encourage drinking
• Lactating does require an additional 1-2 gallons daily for milk production
• Spring and fall consumption averages 1.5-2 gallons per goat

Tips for Water Management

• Check water levels twice daily at feeding times
• Clean buckets or troughs daily to prevent algae growth
• Test water quality monthly for bacterial contamination
• Install automatic waterers 24-30 inches high to prevent contamination
• Use heated water buckets in freezing temperatures
• Position water sources away from feed stations to reduce contamination

Supplementing With Grain and Concentrates

Grains and concentrates provide essential energy and nutrients that complement your goats’ hay-based diet.

Types of Grain Supplements

• Commercial goat feed (16-18% protein) offers balanced nutrition for most adult goats
• Rolled oats support weight gain and milk production
• Barley provides energy without excess protein
• Cracked corn serves as a high-energy supplement for cold weather
• Mixed grain formulas combine various grains with added minerals
• Pelleted feeds reduce waste and ensure consistent nutrition

Grain Feeding Guidelines

• Feed grain twice daily at consistent times (morning and evening)
• Offer grain 30 minutes after providing hay to prevent bloat
• Limit grain portions to 1/2-1 pound per feeding for adult goats
• Space grain meals 8-10 hours apart for optimal digestion
• Feed pregnant does their grain portion in 2-3 smaller meals
• Remove uneaten grain after 30 minutes to prevent spoilage

Adjusting Feed for Different Life Stages

Kid Feeding Schedule

Feed kids colostrum within 4 hours of birth followed by milk or milk replacer 3-4 times daily until 8 weeks. Introduce hay at 2 weeks and starter grain at 3 weeks offering 1/4 pound daily. Maintain free-choice access to fresh water and minerals throughout weaning at 8-12 weeks.

Adult Goat Feeding Schedule

Provide 2-4 pounds of quality hay daily split between morning and evening feedings. Offer 1/2-1 pound of grain per feeding for maintenance with increases for lactating or pregnant does. Ensure constant access to fresh water and mineral supplements with higher portions during breeding and lactation.

Senior Goat Feeding Schedule

Feed softer hay types 3-4 times daily in smaller portions totaling 2-3 pounds. Include 1/2 pound of easily digestible grain mixed with warm water to form a mash. Add supplements like beet pulp or senior feed formulas to maintain weight and support joint health.

Monitoring Feeding Success

Regular assessment of your goats’ health and eating habits ensures your feeding program meets their nutritional needs.

Body Condition Scoring

Monitor your goats’ body condition using a 1-5 scale where 1 is emaciated and 5 is obese. Check specific points including spine prominence ribs visibility and hip bones. Aim for a score of 2.5-3.5 for most goats with breeding maintained at 3. Adjust feed portions based on monthly body condition assessments.

Feed Intake Tracking

Record daily feed consumption for each goat using a simple chart. Track hay intake grain portions and mineral consumption. Note any sudden changes in appetite that may indicate health issues. Weigh hay portions before feeding and measure leftover feed to calculate actual consumption rates.

Common Feeding Schedule Mistakes to Avoid

Maintaining a proper feeding schedule requires careful attention to avoid common pitfalls that can affect your goats’ health and productivity.

Overfeeding Issues

Overfeeding can lead to serious health complications in goats. Excess grain causes bloat rumen acidosis & obesity while wasted hay increases feed costs by 25-30%. Stick to feeding hay at 2-4% of body weight & limit grain to 1/2-1 pound per feeding for adult goats. Remove uneaten feed after 30 minutes to prevent overconsumption.

Underfeeding Risks

Insufficient feed leads to stunted growth poor milk production & reduced immunity. Signs include visible ribs low body condition scores (below 2) & decreased activity. Ensure adult goats receive 2-4 pounds of quality hay daily plus appropriate grain portions based on life stage & production needs.

Creating a Year-Round Feeding Plan

Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule is crucial for your goats’ health and productivity. By following the guidelines for proper portion timing and feed types you’ll create a routine that supports their nutritional needs throughout every life stage.

Remember to adjust your feeding plan based on seasonal changes pin pregnancy status and your goats’ individual needs. Regular monitoring of their body condition and eating habits will help them fine-tune their diet for optimal results.

With the right feeding schedule your goats will thrive staying healthy productive and happy. Take time to develop and stick to a structured feeding routine and you’ll see the positive impact on your herd’s overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much hay should I feed my adult goat daily?

Adult goats need 2-4 pounds of quality hay daily, which should be about 2-4% of their body weight. Split this amount between morning and evening feedings to maintain proper digestion and prevent waste. Remove any uneaten hay to keep the feeding area clean.

When is the best time to feed grain to goats?

Feed grain twice daily, approximately 30 minutes after offering hay to prevent bloat. Space grain meals 8-10 hours apart, typically during morning and evening feedings. For adult goats, limit portions to 1/2-1 pound per feeding.

How much water do goats need each day?

Goats require 1-3 gallons of water daily, varying by season. During summer, they need 2-3 gallons due to heat stress, while winter consumption drops to 1-2 gallons. Lactating does require an additional 1-2 gallons daily. Always provide clean, fresh water.

What should I feed baby goats (kids)?

Kids need colostrum within 4 hours of birth, followed by milk or replacer 3-4 times daily until 8 weeks old. Introduce hay at 2 weeks and starter grain at 3 weeks. Ensure free access to clean water and minerals appropriate for their age.

How often should goats be allowed to graze?

Limit grazing to 6-8 hours daily and rotate pastures every 3-4 weeks to prevent overgrazing and parasite buildup. Maintain grass height at 4-6 inches and provide 1/4-1/2 acre per goat. Keep goats off wet pastures to prevent hoof problems.

How can I tell if my goat is getting enough food?

Use body condition scoring on a 1-5 scale, aiming for 2.5-3.5 for most goats. Monitor daily feed intake, record consumption patterns, and watch for changes in appetite. Healthy goats should maintain consistent weight and show regular eating habits.

What supplements do goats need?

Goats require mineral blocks or loose minerals specifically formulated for goats, providing essential nutrients like copper and selenium. They also need access to baking soda for proper digestion. Pregnant and lactating may need additional vitamin and mineral supplements.

How should I adjust feeding for pregnant does?

Increase grain portions gradually throughout pregnancy, starting with regular maintenance amounts in early pregnancy and increasing to 1-1.5 pounds daily in the final trimester. Continue providing quality hay at 2-4% of body weight and ensure constant access to fresh water.