# Goat Feed Management During Drought: Strategies for Forage Shortages ## Key Takeaways - **Proactive Assessment is Crucial:** Inventory current forage and stored feed, estimate drought duration, and evaluate individual goat nutritional needs (maintenance, pregnancy, lactation, growth) to determine carrying capacity and inform culling decisions before forage becomes critically scarce. - **Forage Utilization and Extension Strategies:** Implement rotational and strip grazing to maximize intake, utilize crop residues and browse (brush, tree leaves) to supplement grass, and minimize hay waste through appropriate feeder design and frequent, smaller feedings. - **Diversify Feed Sources and Supplement Wisely:** Incorporate byproduct feeds (soybean hulls, corn gluten feed), grains (corn, barley), or complete feeds, introducing them gradually over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset; ensure adequate fiber (25-30% NDF) and supplement with a balanced mineral/vitamin mix formulated specifically for goats. - **Monitor Body Condition and Health Indicators:** Regularly assess body condition scores (BCS) weekly, aiming for 3.0 for maintenance/breeding and adjusting for production stages, while also observing for reduced activity, dull coat, poor growth, and changes in manure consistency as signs of nutritional stress. - **Emergency Planning and Resource Management:** Develop a written drought plan including contact information for suppliers and veterinarians, identify emergency feed sources (e.g., confinement feeding, non-traditional feedstuffs), and be prepared for emergency culling or herd reduction to preserve essential breeding stock. --- Drought presents one of the most serious challenges for goat producers. When pastures brown out and hay supplies tighten, your herd's health, production, and even survival depend on how well you prepare and adapt. This guide covers practical strategies for managing goat feed during drought, including ration adjustments, alternative feed sources, [body condition scoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/body-condition-scoring-a-tool-for-feed-management), and emergency planning. It is written for small to mid-sized goat producers, whether you raise meat goats, dairy goats, or keep a breeding herd, who need a clear action plan before and during a forage shortage. ## At a Glance - **Act early.** Do not wait until your pasture is bare or your hay supply is gone. Start drought planning when the forecast turns dry and conditions begin to deteriorate. - **Stretch your forage.** Extend existing pasture with rotational grazing, strip grazing, and by culling or selling non-essential animals early. - **Know your goats' nutritional needs.** Maintenance, pregnancy, lactation, and growth each require different feed levels. Adjust rations accordingly. - **Introduce alternative feeds gradually.** Sudden changes cause digestive upset. Transition over 7 to 10 days whenever possible. - **Test your feed.** Hay quality varies widely, especially during drought. A forage test tells you what supplements you actually need. - **Monitor body condition scores weekly.** Body condition scoring is your best early warning system for nutritional problems. - **Provide clean, plentiful water.** Goats drink more when eating dry feeds and during hot weather. Dehydration reduces feed intake quickly. - **Have an emergency feed plan.** Know where you can source hay, grain, or feedstuffs before you are desperate. - **Call for help early.** Your veterinarian or local extension agent can help you troubleshoot health and nutrition problems before they become losses. ## Understanding Drought and Its Impact on Goat Forage Drought is not a single event. It is a period of below-average precipitation that creates a soil moisture deficit, which then affects plant growth. For goat producers, the practical problem is that forage production slows, stops, or produces plants with lower nutritional value. The severity and duration of a drought determine how much it affects your feed supply. ### How Drought Affects Pasture and Forage Quality When moisture is limited, plants go through several changes that matter to grazing animals. First, growth slows dramatically. Cool-season grasses and legumes may go dormant, while warm-season grasses may survive but produce very little new leaf material. Second, the forage that does grow tends to be stemmier and more fibrous. Lignin content increases, which makes the plant cell walls tougher and less digestible. Third, nutrient concentrations change. Protein levels often drop, while fiber fractions like neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) rise. The net effect is that goats must eat more forage to get the same amount of energy and protein, but the forage is often less palatable and slower to pass through the digestive system. Drought-stressed plants can also accumulate nitrates. This is especially a concern with certain annual crops like sorghum, sudangrass, millet, and corn, as well as some weeds. Nitrate accumulation happens when plants take up more nitrogen from the soil than they can convert to protein because growth has stalled. When a goat consumes high-nitrate forage, the rumen microbes convert nitrate to nitrite, which then interferes with oxygen transport in the blood. Acute nitrate poisoning can be fatal. If you must feed drought-stressed annual forages, test them for nitrates before feeding. ### Why Goats Are Different From Cattle in a Drought Goats are browsers by nature. They prefer leaves, brush, and broadleaf plants over grass, and they are more selective grazers than cattle or sheep. This gives them an advantage in some drought situations because they can utilize woody plants, tree leaves, and shrubs that cattle will not touch. Many goat producers find that their animals can find acceptable nutrition in brushy or overgrown areas even when grass pastures are bare. However, this browsing behavior does not make goats immune to drought problems. When goats are confined to a drylot with no access to browse, they depend entirely on the hay and concentrates you provide. And when pasture is extremely short, goats may consume toxic plants they would normally avoid. Overgrazing during drought also damages the pasture's long-term productivity by removing the plant crown and root reserves needed for regrowth when rain returns. ### The Financial Reality of Drought Feeding Feeding goats through a drought is expensive. Hay prices typically rise during dry periods because demand increases and supply shrinks. Freight costs add to the expense if you must haul feed from a distance. Many producers find that their feed bill doubles or triples during a drought year. This reality means that drought feed management is as much about economics as it is about animal nutrition. The most successful drought plans include strategies to reduce the number of animals you must feed, stretch the feed you have, and protect the health of the animals that remain. ## Assessing Your Situation Before the Drought Worsens Early assessment gives you more options. If you wait until your pasture is completely bare and your hay loft is empty, your choices narrow dramatically. Here is a step-by-step approach to evaluating your feed situation. ### Step 1: Inventory Your Current Forage Supply Walk your pastures and estimate how much grazeable forage remains. A simple method is to look at pasture height and density. For most grass pastures, 1,000 pounds of dry matter per acre is roughly equivalent to 3 to 4 inches of growth, but this varies with species and stand density. More practically, ask yourself how many days of grazing your pasture will provide at your current stocking rate. Be conservative in your estimate. Drought-stressed pasture often provides less forage than it appears. Next, inventory your stored feed. Count every bale of hay and estimate its weight. Determine how many goats you have and how much they consume. A mature goat eats about 2 to 4 percent of its body weight in dry matter per day. A 150-pound doe consumes roughly 3 to 4.5 pounds of hay per day when hay is the sole ration. Multiply your number of goats by their daily consumption to calculate your weekly and monthly hay needs. Then divide your hay inventory by that number to see how many weeks of feed you have on hand. ### Step 2: Estimate How Long the Drought Might Last You cannot predict the weather with certainty, but you can prepare for different scenarios. A 30-day drought requires different planning than a 120-day drought. Look at historical weather patterns for your area, check long-range forecasts, and consider the time of year. A drought in early summer may break before fall, but a drought that starts in late summer may extend into winter, when pasture growth is slow or nonexistent. Plan for the worst-case scenario that is reasonable for your region, and build a feed reserve that covers that period. ### Step 3: Evaluate Your Goats' Nutritional Needs Not all goats have the same feed requirements. A dry, non-pregnant doe at maintenance needs less energy and protein than a lactating doe producing milk for kids. Growing kids, yearlings, and bucks in breeding condition all have different needs. During a drought, you may need to make hard decisions about which animals get priority for the best feed. The table below shows approximate daily dry matter intake and crude protein needs for different classes of goats. These are general guidelines. Actual requirements vary with body weight, breed, stage of production, and environmental conditions. | Goat Class | Daily Dry Matter Intake (% of body weight) | Crude Protein (% of diet) | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Dry doe, maintenance | 2.0 to 2.5 | 8 to 10 | Lowest requirement | | Doe in early pregnancy | 2.0 to 2.5 | 10 to 12 | Fetal growth is minimal | | Doe in late pregnancy | 2.5 to 3.0 | 12 to 14 | Last 6 weeks before kidding | | Lactating doe | 3.0 to 4.0 | 14 to 16 | Higher for heavy milk production | | Growing kid (weaned) | 3.0 to 4.0 | 14 to 16 | Rapid muscle and bone growth | | Mature buck | 2.0 to 2.5 | 10 to 12 | Higher during breeding season | ### Step 4: Decide How Many Animals You Can Afford to Feed This is the hardest step for many producers, but it is essential. Calculate your total feed needs for a 60-day, 90-day, and 120-day drought scenario. Compare those needs against your current hay inventory and your budget for purchasing additional feed. If you cannot feed all your animals through the anticipated drought, decide now which animals to sell or cull. Prioritize your breeding stock. Keep your best does and your genetically superior buck. Sell open does, does with poor udder structure, older animals with health problems, and any animal that has produced poorly in the past. Wean kids early if they are old enough to eat solid feed. Early weaning reduces the nutritional demand on does and allows you to feed the kids a controlled ration. ## Stretching Your Forage Supply Once you have assessed your situation, you can implement strategies to make your existing forage last longer. These techniques do not create new feed, but they reduce waste and improve utilization. ### Rotational Grazing and Strip Grazing If you are not already rotational grazing, drought is the time to start. Divide your pasture into smaller paddocks and move goats through them on a planned schedule. This forces goats to consume more of the available forage rather than selectively grazing their favorite plants and leaving the rest. It also gives grazed areas time to recover, even if recovery is slow during dry conditions. Strip grazing is an even more intensive version of rotational grazing. You give goats access to a narrow strip of pasture, often using a movable electric fence, and move the fence forward daily or every few days. Goats consume nearly all the available forage in each strip before moving on. This method works well for stockpiled forage, crop residues, or lush annual pastures where you want to limit waste. ### Extend Grazing With Crop Residues After grain harvest, crop fields can provide valuable grazing for goats. Corn stalks, soybean stubble, and small grain stubble offer some residual forage and weed growth. Goats are selective eaters, so they will pick through crop residues for the most palatable parts. They may not find enough nutrition in a bare stubble field to sustain them alone, but crop residues can stretch your hay supply and provide supplemental grazing. Be cautious with certain crop residues. Sorghum and sudangrass regrowth after a drought can be toxic due to prussic acid, especially after a frost. Corn stalks that have been rained on may develop mold. Check fields for toxic plants and mold before turning goats out. ### Use Browsing to Your Advantage Goats can utilize brush, tree leaves, and woody plants that other livestock ignore. If you have wooded areas, fencerows, or overgrown pastures, consider giving your goats access to these areas during drought. They will browse on blackberry brambles, multiflora rose, honeysuckle, sumac, and many tree leaves. This provides nutrition and helps with brush control at the same time. Monitor goats closely when they are browsing unfamiliar plants. Most goats will sample new plants cautiously, but a hungry goat may eat something toxic. Learn to identify the poisonous plants common in your area, including wild cherry, red maple, oak (in large amounts), bracken fern, and various members of the nightshade family. ### Reduce Waste at the Hay Feeder Hay waste is a silent drain on your feed supply. When goats have unlimited access to a round bale or a large hay feeder, they trample, soil, and soil hay, and they often refuse to eat hay that has been contaminated with manure or urine. Research on cattle shows that hay waste can range from 5 percent with a well-designed feeder to over 40 percent when hay is fed on the ground. Goats waste hay similarly when it is not presented properly. Use a hay feeder designed for goats. The feeder should allow goats to pull hay through openings without climbing into the feeder or soiling the hay. Place feeders on well-drained ground and move them periodically to prevent mud buildup. Feed smaller amounts more frequently rather than giving goats a large pile of hay that they will waste. When you are feeding square bales, break the flakes apart and distribute the hay so more goats can eat at once, reducing competition and waste. ## Choosing and Sourcing Alternative Feedstuffs When hay is scarce or expensive, you may need to look beyond traditional grass and legume hay. Several alternative feedstuffs can work well for goats during a drought. Some are byproducts from other agricultural industries and can be purchased at lower cost than hay. ### Byproduct Feeds Many agricultural byproducts are suitable for goats. The key is to introduce them gradually and balance the ration properly. **Soybean hulls** are a high-fiber, moderate-energy feed that works well for goats. They are highly digestible and can replace a portion of the forage in the diet. Soybean hulls are low in protein, so you will need to supplement protein if you feed them as a major part of the ration. **Corn gluten feed** is a byproduct of corn wet milling. It is moderate in protein and energy and works well as a supplement. It comes in pelleted or meal form and is easy to handle. **Wheat middlings** are a byproduct of flour milling. They are moderate in protein and energy and are commonly used in goat rations. They are dusty and may need to be mixed with a liquid or molasses to reduce dust. **Cottonseed meal** is a high-protein supplement. Whole cottonseed is also fed to goats, but it is high in fat and should be limited to avoid digestive upset. Cottonseed products may contain gossypol, which is toxic in high amounts, so feed them according to recommended rates. **Citrus pulp** and **beet pulp** are high-fiber energy feeds that can replace a portion of the forage in the diet. They are palatable and work well for goats. Beet pulp should be soaked before feeding to prevent esophageal blockage, especially in goats that eat rapidly. **Bakery waste** such as stale bread, cookies, and pastries can be fed to goats in limited amounts. It is high in energy and low in protein. Introduce it slowly and do not let it make up more than 10 to 15 percent of the diet. ### Grain and Concentrate Supplements Whole or cracked corn, barley, oats, and commercial goat pellets can supply energy when forage is limited. Grains are low in fiber and high in starch, so they must be fed carefully to avoid acidosis. A sudden introduction of grain or a large grain meal can cause a rapid drop in rumen pH, leading to laminitis, diarrhea, and in severe cases, death. When feeding grain to goats, follow these rules. Start with a small amount, about 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per goat per day, and increase gradually over 7 to 10 days. Never feed more than 1 to 1.5 pounds of grain per goat per day unless the goat is in heavy lactation and accustomed to a high-grain ration. Always provide free-choice hay or forage when feeding grain. The forage helps maintain rumen function and buffers the acid produced from grain fermentation. ### Complete Feeds and Drought Rations Some feed mills formulate complete feeds specifically for goats. These are pelleted rations that contain forage and concentrate in one product. They are convenient because goats can be fed only pellets and water, with no additional hay needed. Complete feeds are more expensive than feeding hay and grain separately, but they may be the most practical option when hay is unavailable or of poor quality. If you use a complete feed, choose one formulated for goats, not cattle or sheep. Goats have different copper requirements than sheep, and a sheep feed that is correctly fortified for sheep may be deficient in copper for goats. Read the feed tag carefully and work with your feed supplier to select the right product. ### Non-Traditional Forages and Fodder Some producers explore non-traditional forage sources during drought. Fodder, which is sprouted grain grown in trays for 6 to 8 days, provides fresh, green feed even in dry conditions. Fodder systems require water, electricity, and space, and the cost per pound of dry matter is typically high. Fodder is mostly water, so goats must eat large volumes to meet their energy needs. It can work as a supplement, but it is rarely a complete solution. Tree hay is another option. Cut branches from non-toxic trees such as willow, poplar, mulberry, or honey locust, and let them wilt before feeding to goats. Goats will strip the leaves and eat the small twigs. This provides both nutrition and environmental enrichment. Do not cut branches from trees that are toxic to goats, including wild cherry, red maple, and black walnut. ### Purchasing Hay: What to Look For If you must purchase hay, buy early and buy good quality. Drought-stressed hay is often low in protein and energy and high in fiber. Have the hay tested before you buy a large quantity, or at least inspect it carefully. Good hay should be green, leafy, and free of mold, dust, and weeds. It should smell sweet, not musty or fermented. Ask the seller about the cutting date, fertilizer program, and whether the hay was rained on during curing. First-cutting hay is usually stemmier and lower in quality than later cuttings, but drought conditions can affect any cutting. A forage test is the only reliable way to know the nutritional value of the hay you are buying. ## Developing a Drought Feeding Ration Once you know what feedstuffs you have available, you can build a ration that meets your goats' needs. You do not need to be a nutritionist to formulate a workable diet, but you do need to understand the basic principles. ### The Basics of [Goat Nutrition](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-nutrition-basics-essential-nutrients-feeding-management) Goats need energy, protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and water. Energy is measured in total digestible nutrients (TDN) or megacalories of net energy. Protein is measured as crude protein (CP). Fiber is necessary for rumen function and is measured as neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Goats need at least 25 to 30 percent NDF in their diet to maintain normal rumen function and prevent digestive disorders. During a drought, the most common nutritional problems are energy deficiency and protein deficiency. Goats lose weight when they do not get enough energy. They lose muscle mass and condition when protein is inadequate. Both problems can occur simultaneously when forage quality is poor. ### Building a Maintenance Ration For a dry doe at maintenance, a ration of good-quality grass hay plus a mineral supplement may be sufficient. The hay should provide about 8 to 10 percent crude protein and adequate energy. If the hay is drought-stressed and low in protein, you may need to add a protein supplement such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or alfalfa hay. A simple maintenance ration might look like this. Feed 3 to 4 pounds of grass hay per 100 pounds of body weight per day. Provide free-choice goat mineral. If the hay is low in protein, add 0.25 to 0.5 pounds of soybean meal per goat per day. If the hay is stemmy and low in energy, add 0.5 to 1 pound of whole corn or barley per goat per day. ### Building a Lactation Ration Lactating does have the highest nutritional requirements of any class of goat. A doe producing 4 to 6 pounds of milk per day needs roughly double the energy and triple the protein of a dry doe. Meeting these needs during a drought is challenging. A lactation ration might include 4 to 5 pounds of good-quality legume or mixed hay per 100 pounds of body weight, plus 1 to 2 pounds of grain or concentrate per doe per day. If the hay is poor quality, increase the grain to 2 to 3 pounds per day, but do not exceed about 60 percent concentrate in the total diet. Provide free-choice goat mineral and clean water at all times. If you cannot meet the nutritional needs of lactating does, consider early weaning. Kids can be weaned at 60 to 75 days of age if they weigh at least 15 to 20 pounds and are eating solid feed. Weaning reduces the does' nutritional demand and allows you to redirect feed to the kids. ### Protein Supplementation Strategies When forage is low in protein, protein supplementation can improve intake and digestion. Goats need a minimum of about 7 to 8 percent crude protein in the diet for rumen microbes to function properly. Below that level, feed intake drops because the microbes cannot digest fiber efficiently. Good protein supplements for goats include soybean meal (44 to 48 percent CP), cottonseed meal (41 percent CP), canola meal (36 percent CP), and alfalfa hay (15 to 20 percent CP). Urea and other non-protein nitrogen sources are sometimes used in cattle rations, but they are less suitable for goats and can be toxic if fed incorrectly. Avoid urea-based supplements for goats. Feed protein supplements at a rate that brings the total diet to the desired protein level. For example, if your hay tests at 6 percent protein and your does need 12 percent, you need to add a high-protein feed. A general rule is to add 0.25 to 0.5 pounds of a 40 percent protein supplement per head per day for each 3 to 4 percent increase in dietary protein you need. ### Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation Drought-stressed forage is often deficient in phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, and selenium. Provide a loose mineral formulated specifically for goats. Goat minerals contain higher levels of copper than sheep minerals, and they are balanced for goats' needs. Do not feed cattle or sheep minerals to goats unless you have confirmed that the mineral levels are appropriate. Salt should be included in the mineral mix or provided free-choice. During hot weather, goats need more salt to encourage water intake. Provide fresh, clean water at all times. A mature goat drinks 1 to 2 gallons of water per day, and lactating does may drink more. ## Feeding Management During Drought How you feed is as important as what you feed. Good feeding management reduces waste, prevents digestive upset, and keeps goats healthy. ### Transitioning to New Feeds Whenever you introduce a new feed, do it gradually. The rumen contains a complex community of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi that break down feed. These microbes adapt to the type of feed they receive. A sudden change in feed causes the microbial population to shift, which can lead to digestive upset, reduced intake, and in severe cases, acidosis or bloat. Transition over 7 to 10 days. Start by replacing 10 to 20 percent of the old feed with the new feed. Increase the proportion of new feed every 2 to 3 days until the transition is complete. Watch goats closely during the transition for signs of digestive upset, including diarrhea, reduced appetite, or lethargy. If you see these signs, slow the transition or back off to the previous ration until goats stabilize. ### Feeding Frequency and Timing Goats are ruminants and do best when they have a steady supply of feed throughout the day. Feed hay at least once daily, and preferably twice daily. Feeding twice a day reduces waste because goats cannot sort through a large pile of hay and soil it. It also keeps feed fresher and more palatable. If you are feeding grain, split the daily grain allowance into two or more meals. Feeding a large grain meal at one time increases the risk of acidosis. Two or three smaller meals are easier on the rumen. ### Managing Competition at the Feeder Goats have a social hierarchy. [Dominant](/blog/careers/dominant-definition-biology) goats eat first and may prevent subordinate goats from getting enough feed. This is especially a problem when feed is limited. Ensure that all goats can eat at the same time by providing enough feeder space. A general guideline is 18 to 24 inches of linear feeder space per adult goat. If you have goats of different sizes or ages, consider separating them into groups. Feed does, kids, and bucks separately so each group gets the ration it needs. This is particularly important when you are feeding a limited amount of concentrate. The dominant animals should not be allowed to consume the entire grain ration. ### Adjusting Rations as Drought Conditions Change Your feeding plan should be flexible. As the drought progresses, forage quality and availability will change. Monitor your goats' body condition and adjust the ration accordingly. If goats are losing weight, increase the energy content of the ration. If they are maintaining condition, you may be feeding adequately. If they are gaining weight, you can reduce the amount of supplement you are feeding. Re-test hay and feedstuffs periodically if you purchase new lots. The nutritional value of hay can vary between loads, even from the same seller. Adjust your ration based on the most recent test results. ## Monitoring Goat Health and Body Condition Regular monitoring allows you to catch problems early and make adjustments before goats lose significant condition or become sick. ### Body Condition Scoring Body condition scoring (BCS) is a hands-on method of evaluating the fat and muscle cover over a goat's skeleton. The standard scale for goats is 1 to 5, with 1 being emaciated and 5 being obese. A score of 3 is ideal for most goats. To body condition score a goat, feel the loin area. Place your hand over the spine in the loin region, just behind the ribs. You are feeling for the spinous processes (the vertical projections of the vertebrae) and the transverse processes (the horizontal projections). In a goat with a BCS of 3, you should feel the spinous processes with light pressure, and the transverse processes should feel smooth and rounded with a moderate fat cover. A goat with a BCS of 2 has prominent spinous processes that feel sharp, and the transverse processes are easily felt with little fat cover. A goat with a BCS of 1 has very prominent bones with no fat cover, and the goat appears emaciated. Score each goat individually. Body condition can vary significantly within a herd, and the average herd score can hide individual problems. Score your goats at least monthly, and weekly during a drought or when feed is limited. Record the scores so you can track changes over time. ### Target Body Condition Scores The target BCS depends on the stage of production. Dry does should be at a BCS of 2.5 to 3.0. Does in early pregnancy can be slightly thinner, but they should gain condition before kidding. Does in late pregnancy should be at a BCS of 3.0 to 3.5. Lactating does will naturally lose condition in early lactation, but they should not drop below 2.5. Bucks should be at a BCS of 3.0 going into the breeding season. If a goat drops below a BCS of 2.0, it is in serious trouble. The goat is using muscle tissue for energy, which indicates a severe energy deficit. These goats need immediate attention, either through increased feed or through culling if they are not essential to the breeding program. ### Other Signs of Nutritional Stress Body condition is not the only indicator of nutritional problems. Watch for these signs in your herd. **Reduced activity and lethargy.** Goats that are not getting enough energy are less active and may spend more time lying down. **Dull, rough hair coat.** A poor coat can indicate protein deficiency, mineral deficiency, or general poor health. **Reduced milk production.** Lactating does that are underfed produce less milk. You may notice kids gaining weight more slowly or crying more often. **Poor growth in kids.** Weaned kids that are not gaining weight at the expected rate may not be getting enough feed, or the feed may be low in protein. **Increased parasite load.** Goats that are nutritionally stressed are more susceptible to internal parasites. Drought conditions can reduce pasture parasite loads, but goats that are already carrying worms may show clinical signs when their nutrition declines. **Changes in manure consistency.** Very dry, hard manure pellets can indicate dehydration or low feed intake. Loose manure can indicate digestive upset or a ration that is too high in concentrates. ### Record Keeping During Drought Keep simple but consistent records during a drought. Record the following information weekly. - Body condition scores for each goat or a sample of the herd - Amount of hay and supplement fed each day - Number of goats on feed - Estimated pasture condition and available grazing days - Hay and feed inventory on hand - Any health problems or deaths - Water consumption and water quality issues These records help you make informed decisions. They show you trends in body condition and feed consumption. They tell you when you need to adjust rations. And they provide documentation if you need to apply for drought assistance programs or work with your veterinarian or extension agent. ## Common Mistakes in Drought Feeding Producers often make predictable mistakes when feeding goats through a drought. Recognizing these mistakes can help you avoid them. ### Waiting Too Long to Act The most common and costly mistake is waiting too long. Producers hope for rain and delay culling decisions or feed purchases. When rain does not come, they are forced to sell animals at a time when the market is flooded with drought-stressed livestock, and they pay premium prices for scarce hay. Act early. Make the hard decisions while you still have options. ### Overgrazing Pastures It is tempting to let goats graze pasture down to the dirt to save hay. This damages the pasture's root system and reduces future productivity. When rain returns, overgrazed pastures recover slowly and may be invaded by weeds. Maintain a minimum stubble height of 3 to 4 inches for most pasture grasses. When the pasture is grazed down to that level, move goats to a sacrifice area or drylot and feed hay. ### Sudden Diet Changes Another common mistake is changing the ration abruptly when hay runs out or when a new feed arrives. Sudden changes cause digestive upset, reduced intake, and in severe cases, acidosis or enterotoxemia. Always transition to new feeds gradually. ### Feeding Poor Quality Hay Without Supplementation When good hay is hard to find, producers may buy whatever hay is available. Drought-stressed hay can be very low in protein and energy. Feeding this hay without supplementation leads to weight loss and poor condition. Have the hay tested and supplement accordingly. ### Ignoring Water Needs Water is the most essential nutrient, and it is easy to take for granted. During a drought, water sources may dry up or become contaminated. Check water sources daily. Clean water tanks regularly. Provide shade near water sources to encourage drinking during hot weather. ### Forgetting About Internal Parasites Drought reduces the number of parasite larvae on pasture, which can give producers a false sense of security. Goats that are stressed by poor nutrition are more susceptible to the parasites they already carry. Monitor fecal egg counts and treat goats that show signs of parasitism. The American Consortium for [Small Ruminant Parasite Control](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/food-animal-medicine/small-ruminant-parasite-control-diagnostic-strategies-anthelmintic-stewardship) (ACSRPC) provides resources on targeted selective treatment and parasite management. ### Not Having an Emergency Plan Many producers do not have a written drought plan. They improvise as conditions worsen, which leads to reactive decisions and higher costs. Write a simple drought plan now, before you need it. Include contact information for feed suppliers, your veterinarian, and your extension agent. List the animals you would cull first. Describe your feeding strategy for different drought scenarios. ## Emergency Drought Feeding: Last-Resort Options When the drought is severe and feed is extremely scarce, you may need to consider emergency options. These are not ideal long-term solutions, but they can help you get through a crisis. ### Confinement Feeding in a Drylot If pasture is completely gone, move goats to a drylot or sacrifice area and feed them entirely on stored feed. This protects the pasture from further damage and allows you to control exactly what the goats eat. A drylot should have good drainage, shade, and access to clean water. Provide enough feeder space so all goats can eat at once. In a drylot, goats need about 2 to 3 percent of their body weight in dry matter per day. A 150-pound goat needs 3 to 4.5 pounds of hay or an equivalent complete feed. If hay is scarce, you can substitute some of the hay with byproduct feeds, but goats still need some long-stem fiber for rumen function. ### Feeding Crop Residues and Non-Traditional Feedstuffs In extreme situations, producers have fed goats almost anything that is safe and digestible. This includes tree leaves, vegetable culls, fruit waste, and even cardboard in very small amounts as a fiber source. These feeds are rarely nutritionally complete, and they require careful management. If you are considering an unusual feedstuff, ask yourself these questions. Is it toxic to goats? Is it free of mold and foreign material? Does it provide digestible energy or protein? Can goats eat it without choking or developing digestive upset? If you are unsure, do not feed it. Call your extension agent or veterinarian for advice. ### Emergency Culling and Herd Reduction When feed is critically short, herd reduction is the most practical response. Sell or cull animals that are not essential to your breeding program. This includes open does, does that are not pregnant, older animals, animals with health problems, and any animal with poor production records. Selling animals early, while they are still in good condition, gets a better price than selling them after they have lost condition. If you must reduce the herd further, consider selling weaned kids. The market price for kids may be lower during a drought, but the feed you save can be used for breeding stock. A smaller, healthier herd that survives the drought is better than a larger herd that is in poor condition. ### Working With Neighbors and Local Networks Drought affects entire communities. Talk to other livestock producers in your area about sharing feed resources, grazing land, or equipment. A neighbor with a different type of operation may have crop residues you can graze. Another producer may know of a hay source you have not found. Cooperative buying can reduce feed costs. These relationships are valuable in a drought and worth building before you need them. ## When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent You do not need to handle every drought problem alone. Know when to call for professional help. ### Call Your Veterinarian When You See These Signs - Goats are losing weight rapidly despite adequate feed intake - Multiple goats are sick or dying - Goats show signs of acidosis, including diarrhea, staggering, or recumbency - Goats show signs of nitrate poisoning, including rapid breathing, weakness, and brown-colored mucous membranes - Goats are not eating or are showing signs of bloat - Lactating does have a sudden drop in milk production - Kids are not growing or are losing weight Your veterinarian can diagnose health problems, recommend treatments, and help you adjust your feeding program. If you suspect a feed-related toxicity, such as nitrate poisoning or mold toxicity, your veterinarian can help you confirm the diagnosis and test the feed. ### Call Your Extension Agent When You Need These Services - Forage testing and interpretation of results - Ration formulation and nutrition advice - Help identifying toxic plants in your pasture - Guidance on drought assistance programs and disaster declarations - Information on local feed sources and market conditions - Workshops or publications on drought management Extension agents are a free resource. They have training in animal science and agriculture, and they can connect you with specialists at the land-grant university in your state. They can also help you interpret the information from the FAO and other organizations that publish drought management guidance. ### Reportable Diseases and Regulatory Concerns If you see signs of a reportable disease, you must contact your veterinarian or state animal health official immediately. Reportable diseases include foot-and-mouth disease, goat pox, and other diseases on the WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) list. Do not wait to see if the condition resolves on its own. Early reporting protects your herd and the broader livestock industry. ## Drought Recovery: What to Do When Rain Returns The drought will eventually end. How you manage the recovery period determines the long-term health of your pasture and your herd. ### Pasture Recovery Management When rain returns, resist the urge to turn goats out immediately. New growth is vulnerable to overgrazing, and the plants need time to rebuild their root systems. Wait until pasture grasses have at least 4 to 6 inches of growth before grazing. Graze lightly at first, and use rotational grazing to give plants time to recover. Be prepared for weeds. Drought-damaged pastures often have a flush of weed growth when rain returns. Some weeds are nutritious and goats will eat them, but others are toxic or unpalatable. Monitor the pasture and manage weeds as needed. ### Herd Recovery and Rebuilding After a drought, your herd may be smaller and in poorer condition than you would like. Give goats time to recover. Continue to feed supplements until pasture quality improves. Body condition scores should return to target levels before you breed does. If you sold animals during the drought, resist the urge to immediately replace them. Rebuilding the herd takes time and money. Focus on the animals you have and let the herd grow naturally through kidding. ### Financial Recovery Drought has long-term financial effects. Review your records and calculate the true cost of the drought, including lost production, feed purchases, and animal losses. Use this information to build a better drought plan for the future. Consider setting aside a feed reserve or a financial reserve to cushion the impact of the next drought. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much hay does a goat need per day during a drought? A mature goat needs about 2 to 3 percent of its body weight in dry matter per day. A 150-pound goat needs 3 to 4.5 pounds of hay per day when hay is the sole feed. Lactating does and growing kids may need more, especially if the hay is low in quality. Weigh a few bales to know their actual weight, and feed according to the number and size of your goats. ### Can goats eat drought-stressed corn or sorghum? Drought-stressed corn and sorghum can be dangerous because they may accumulate nitrates. Nitrate levels are highest in the lower stalks and can increase after a drought-breaking rain. Test the forage for nitrates before feeding. If nitrate levels are high, the forage can be ensiled, which reduces nitrate content, or it can be diluted with other feeds. Prussic acid is also a concern in sorghum and sudangrass, especially after a frost. Consult your extension agent or veterinarian before feeding drought-stressed annual forages. ### What is the best emergency feed for goats during a drought? There is no single best emergency feed. The best choice depends on what is available in your area and what you can afford. Good options include good-quality grass or legume hay, soybean hulls, corn gluten feed, wheat middlings, and commercial goat complete feeds. The key is to provide a balanced ration with adequate protein, energy, and fiber. Have your feed tested and adjust the ration based on the test results. ### How long can goats go without forage before they need emergency intervention? Goats should not go more than 12 to 24 hours without feed. Ruminants need a steady supply of feed to maintain rumen function. If goats go without forage for an extended period, the rumen environment changes, and they can develop digestive problems when they resume eating. If you are out of hay, offer goats any safe, palatable feed you have, including byproduct feeds, grains, or browse. ### Should I sell my goats early in a drought or wait for rain? Selling early is almost always better than waiting. Animals lose condition as the drought progresses, and their market value drops. Early in a drought, animals are still in good condition and will bring better prices. Selling early also reduces your feed demand, which lowers your costs and extends your remaining feed supply. Make culling decisions early, while you still have choices. ### Can I feed my goats grain instead of hay during a drought? You can feed grain as part of the ration, but goats still need fiber for normal rumen function. A diet that is too high in grain can cause acidosis, laminitis, and other digestive problems. A general guideline is to keep grain at no more than 50 to 60 percent of the total diet. Provide some long-stem fiber, such as hay, straw, or browse, every day. If you cannot provide any hay, use a complete pelleted feed that contains forage. ### How do I know if my goats are getting enough protein? The most reliable way is to have your feed tested and calculate the protein content of the ration. Signs of protein deficiency include poor hair coat, reduced growth in kids, low milk production, and loss of muscle mass. Goats may also eat soil or chew on wood, which can indicate a mineral or protein deficiency. If you suspect a protein deficiency, add a protein supplement such as soybean meal or alfalfa hay to the ration. ### What should I do if my goats are losing weight despite feeding them? First, verify that all goats are actually eating. Dominant goats may be preventing subordinates from accessing feed. Check feeder space and consider separating goats into groups. Second, have your hay and feed tested. The feed may be lower in energy or protein than you think. Third, check for internal parasites. A high parasite load can cause weight loss even when feed intake is adequate. Fourth, check for dental problems, especially in older goats. Goats with sore mouths or missing teeth cannot eat effectively. If you cannot identify the problem, call your veterinarian. ## Related Farming Guides This section will be populated programmatically with links to related farming guides on goat management, drought preparedness, and livestock nutrition. ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Goat Breeding Season Planning: Timing, Nutrition, and Health Checks](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-breeding-season-planning) * [Alfalfa Hay for Goats: Feeding Decisions and Mineral Context](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/alfalfa-hay-for-goats-feeding-decisions-and-mineral-context) * [Goat Fiber Production: Cashmere and Mohair Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-fiber-production-cashmere-mohair-management) ## References - American Consortium for [Small Ruminant Parasite Control](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/food-animal-medicine/small-ruminant-parasite-control-diagnostic-strategies-anthelmintic-stewardship) (ACSRPC): https://www.wormx.info/ - USDA APHIS Goat Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/sheep-goats - FAO Sheep and Goat Production: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/ > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.