The best management and health program is accentuated with a nutritional program that matches nutrient needs to production purposes. Goats are ruminants, which means they can derive a substantial portion of nutrients from plants. These hardy animals are selective browsers, eating a wide variety of shrubs, woody plants, briars, and even weeds. The availability of browse material (twigs, leaves, bushes, trees, etc.) in goat pens and pastures appears to enhance contentment. Goats should be fed good-quality forages along with the needed supplemental nutrients to achieve desired goals, such as milk or meat production or a well-conditioned show goat. The nutritional program is dependent on type of goat (meat, milk, mohair/cashmere, hobby) and production stage. For instance, due to milk production needs lactating dairy goats have higher nutrient requirements than dry or gestating does.

A quality Goat Power™ nutritional program not only meets the goat’s requirements, but also minimizes feed costs and maximizes profitability. The feeding program should be based on goals of the owner, available feedstuffs, and goat production stage. Basic nutrient requirements include water, protein, energy (carbohydrates and fat), minerals, and vitamins.

Forage
Hay and/or pasture (good-quality) can be used to provide primarily energy and some protein. Since the goat is a ruminant, it needs to consume fiber (forage) in the form of hay or pasture or browse to maintain rumen health. For dairy goats, fiber is needed to maintain milk fat test. Rarely, if ever, will forage alone provide all nutrients needed by the goat. The need for supplemental feeding will be dictated by type of goat (meat, milk, mohair/cashmere, hobby) and production stage.

Water
The daily water requirement for goats is affected by level of milk production, environmental temperature, water content of feedstuffs consumed, amount of exercise, and salt/mineral content of the diet. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Goats are often more reluctant than other species to drink foul-tasting water. Low-quality and/or inadequate water supply will reduce feed intake and lower goat performance.

Protein
Protein supplies amino acids for protein synthesis and serves as a source of nitrogen for rumen microorganisms. Inadequate amount of protein in the diet can affect growth rate, milk production, reproduction, and disease resistance. The amount of protein needed varies depending on production stage. Young, fast-growing goats need a high level of protein in the diet to deposit muscle mass, and lactating goats need more protein for milk production. Mature goats can effectively utilize non-protein nitrogen (NPN). Rumen microorganisms need protein to effectively utilize forage. Inadequate protein leads to inefficient utilization of forages and reduces forage intake.

Energy
Energy deficiency in goats reduces growth rate, delays puberty, reduces fertility, and depresses milk production. Fiber, starch, and sugar from forages and grains are the primary sources of energy in goat diets. Fat can also be used to supply energy, but should be limited to no more than 5% of the diet. Energy requirements are affected by body size, growth, reproduction, and lactation. A deficiency of energy will result in loss of body condition, poor growth, reduced milking ability, and reduced reproductive performance. Obviously, goats that consume more energy than needed become fat.

Minerals and Vitamins
Proper mineral and vitamin supplementation make it possible for goats to achieve the most economical gains possible from the forages and grain fed. Minerals are needed in very small quantities, yet are critical components of the overall nutritional package fed to goats and are the backbone of successful commercial and show goat operations. Minerals play a vital role in nutrient digestion, reproductive performance, immune system function, and development of muscle, bone, and teeth. The copper requirement of goats is frequently questioned. The best information today indicates goats require levels of of copper similar to cattle requirements. Angora and Pygmy breeds have been reported to be sensitive to copper supplementation.

Vitamins are needed in small quantities for normal body processes. Vitamins A, D, and E are likely to be the most deficient in the normal diets of goats. Vitamin K and the B-complex vitamins are normally synthesized by rumen microorganisms and are not considered essential for the goat.

A diet consisting of forage, even with added grain, will not provide the proper levels of minerals and vitamins for optimum performance or production. The amounts and ratios of certain minerals are also important in promoting the health and productivity of goats. Due to the rumen microbial population, a synergistic effect on digestive efficiency occurs when protein and minerals are provided to ruminants. It is suggested that goats be provided with free-choice mineral-vitamin supplement to enhance digestive efficiency.

Special Considerations
The ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be maintained at approximately 2:1 to prevent urinary calculi, especially in wethers (neutered bucks). While sheep are copper sensitive, goats can tolerate more copper than sheep and appear to need as much copper as cattle. The exception may be Angora and Pygmy goats. Even though sufficient B-vitamins are normally provided through rumen synthesis, goats on high-grain rations (particularly rations containing corn by-products) may be deficient in thiamin (a B vitamin).

Ensure goats have access to clean, fresh water and forage at all times. Goat Power Mineral should be offered free-choice at all times. Goat Power products contain copper. Do not feed to sheep or other copper sensitive species. Angora and Pygmy goats have been reported to be sensitive to copper supplementation.