# Goat Nutrition Basics: Essential Nutrients and Feeding Management ## Key Takeaways - Goats are obligate browsers and ruminants requiring a diet primarily composed of high-fiber forage (pasture, browse, hay) to support rumen function and volatile fatty acid production; grain should be a supplement, not the primary feed, to prevent acidosis. - Water is the most critical nutrient, with daily intake ranging from 1-3 gallons per goat, essential for thermoregulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal; dehydration can rapidly lead to reduced feed intake and milk production. - Essential nutrients include protein (8-18% crude protein depending on life stage), energy (from carbohydrates and fats), fiber (for rumen health), vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex), and minerals, with copper and selenium being common deficiencies requiring goat-specific supplementation. - Body condition scoring (BCS) on a 1-5 scale, focusing on palpating the spine, ribs, and sternum, is the primary hands-on method to assess nutritional status and adjust feeding programs, with a target BCS of 3 for most goats. - Gradual feed transitions over 7-10 days are crucial to prevent digestive upset, particularly acidosis, due to the sensitivity of rumen microbial populations to sudden dietary changes. - Specific life stages demand tailored nutrition: lactating does require the highest protein and energy, growing kids need 14-18% protein, and bucks require increased energy during breeding season, with wethers and bucks needing careful management to prevent urinary calculi. --- Feeding goats correctly is the single most important factor in keeping a healthy, productive herd. A goat that receives balanced nutrition has a stronger immune system, produces more milk, grows faster, and has fewer health problems than one that is underfed or fed the wrong ration. This guide covers the essential nutrients every goat needs, how to build a feeding program for different life stages, how to read body condition scores, and how to manage common feeding problems. It is written for new and experienced goat keepers, small farm operators, and anyone preparing to work with a veterinarian or extension agent on a herd nutrition plan. ## At a Glance - Goats are ruminants and need a diet based on forage, not grain. Hay or pasture should make up most of what they eat. - Water is the most critical nutrient. A goat will drink 1 to 3 gallons per day depending on size, lactation, and weather. - Protein, energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals must be balanced for each life stage. A breeding buck has different needs than a lactating doe. - Copper and selenium are the minerals most often deficient in goats. Copper must be given in goat-specific form because sheep minerals can poison goats. - [Body condition scoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/body-condition-scoring-a-tool-for-feed-management) is the best hands-on tool for evaluating whether your feeding program is working. - Sudden feed changes cause digestive upset. Introduce new feeds gradually over 7 to 10 days. - Always provide free-choice loose mineral formulated for goats. Never use mineral blocks designed for cattle or sheep as the sole mineral source. - Monitor feed intake daily. A goat that stops eating needs attention within 24 hours. ## Why Goat Nutrition Is Different From Other Livestock Goats are small ruminants with a four chambered stomach. They chew cud, which means they regurgitate food and chew it again to extract more nutrients. This digestive system is designed for high fiber plant material like browse, leaves, and coarse pasture. Goats are browsers by nature, not grazers like cattle or sheep. They prefer to eat woody plants, brush, and weeds over grass. This means their digestive system is well adapted to handle a wide variety of plant material, but it also means they need careful management when fed grain or other high starch feeds. The rumen, which is the largest stomach chamber, contains billions of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi that break down fiber into volatile fatty acids. These fatty acids are the goat's main energy source. The microbial population in the rumen is sensitive to changes in diet. A sudden shift from forage to grain can kill off the microbes that digest fiber and allow starch digesting bacteria to multiply rapidly. This leads to acidosis, a painful and potentially fatal condition. Understanding this basic biology helps explain why gradual feed transitions are so important. Another key difference is that goats are more efficient at digesting low quality forage than many other livestock, but they still require adequate protein and energy to thrive. A goat that is only fed poor quality straw or mature hay will lose weight even if it eats continuously. The quality of the forage matters as much as the quantity. ## The Six Essential Nutrient Classes for Goats Every goat diet must provide six classes of nutrients: water, energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Each plays a specific role in keeping the animal alive and productive. ### Water Water is the most essential nutrient. A goat can survive longer without feed than without water. Water regulates body temperature, aids digestion, transports nutrients, and removes waste. Milk is about 87 percent water, so lactating does have especially high water needs. Provide clean, fresh water at all times. In winter, water can freeze quickly, so check troughs twice daily or use a heated waterer. In summer, goats drink more and may need additional troughs if the herd is large. A good rule of thumb is to offer 1 to 3 gallons per goat per day, with lactating does at the high end of that range. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry mouth, reduced milk production, and lethargy. A goat that is dehydrated will often refuse feed. If you suspect dehydration, offer warm water with a small amount of electrolyte solution designed for livestock. Call a veterinarian if the goat will not drink on its own. ### Energy Energy is measured in total digestible nutrients or net energy. It comes primarily from carbohydrates and fats in the diet. Forage provides energy through the volatile fatty acids produced during rumen fermentation. Grain and other concentrates provide more dense energy in the form of starch. Energy needs vary by production stage. A dry doe in early pregnancy needs only enough energy to maintain her body condition. A lactating doe producing milk needs two to three times more energy. A growing kid needs energy for muscle and bone development. A working buck needs more energy during breeding season. When energy intake is too low, goats lose body condition, produce less milk, and have weaker immune systems. When energy intake is too high, goats become fat, which causes problems with kidding, breeding, and overall health. The goal is to match energy intake to the animal's needs. ### Protein Protein provides amino acids, which are the building blocks for muscle, milk, hair, enzymes, and hormones. Protein is expressed as crude protein in feed analysis. Goats need different levels of crude protein depending on their stage of life and production. A maintenance ration for an adult goat should contain about 8 to 10 percent crude protein. A lactating doe needs 14 to 16 percent. Growing kids need 14 to 18 percent. A breeding buck in heavy use needs 12 to 14 percent. Forage protein content varies widely. Young, leafy pasture can contain 18 percent protein or more. Mature hay may drop to 6 percent. Legume hays like alfalfa are higher in protein than grass hays. If your forage is low in protein, you can supplement with a protein rich feed like soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or a commercial goat pellet. Signs of protein deficiency include poor growth, rough hair coat, reduced milk production, and low birth weights in kids. In severe cases, goats may develop a potbellied appearance and fluid accumulation under the jaw, sometimes called bottle jaw. ### Fiber Fiber is essential for rumen function. It stimulates chewing, saliva production, and cud chewing. Saliva contains buffers that help maintain the proper pH in the rumen. Without adequate fiber, the rumen becomes acidic, which leads to acidosis and other digestive problems. Forage is the primary source of fiber in a goat diet. Good quality hay or pasture should be the foundation of every feeding program. A goat should eat at least 2 to 4 percent of its body weight in dry matter per day, and most of that should be forage. The length of the fiber also matters. Chopped or ground forage does not stimulate chewing as effectively as long stem hay. Provide hay in a feeder that allows the goat to pull and chew long strands. This promotes saliva production and maintains rumen health. ### Vitamins Vitamins are organic compounds needed in small amounts for various body functions. Goats can synthesize vitamin C in their bodies, so it is not required in the diet. Vitamin K is produced by rumen microbes. Vitamin D is synthesized when goats are exposed to sunlight. The vitamins most likely to be deficient in goats are the B vitamins and vitamins A and E. B vitamins are produced by rumen microbes in healthy animals, but stress or illness can reduce microbial activity and lead to deficiency. Vitamin A is found in green forage. Goats fed mostly dry, bleached hay or maintained on dry lot may need supplementation. Vitamin E works with selenium to support immune function and muscle health. Provide free-choice goat mineral that contains vitamins A, D, and E. During times of stress, such as weaning, transport, or illness, a B vitamin supplement can be added to feed or water. ### Minerals Minerals are inorganic elements that support bone formation, nerve function, muscle contraction, and enzyme activity. Macrominerals needed in larger amounts include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and sulfur. Trace minerals needed in smaller amounts include copper, selenium, zinc, manganese, iron, and iodine. Calcium and phosphorus must be balanced in the diet. The ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio is about 2 to 1. Too much phosphorus relative to calcium can lead to urinary calculi, a painful blockage of the urinary tract that is more common in wethers and bucks. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium, while grain is high in phosphorus. Feeding too much grain without adequate forage can upset this balance. Copper is the mineral most often deficient in goats, and it is also the mineral most often mishandled. Goats require copper at higher levels than sheep. Many commercial minerals labeled for sheep contain little or no added copper because sheep are highly sensitive to copper toxicity. Feeding sheep mineral to goats can cause copper deficiency over time. Always use a mineral specifically formulated for goats. Selenium is also commonly deficient in many regions of the United States, particularly in the Northeast, Southeast, and Pacific Northwest. Selenium deficiency causes white muscle disease in kids, poor growth, and reproductive problems. Your veterinarian or extension agent can tell you if your region is selenium deficient. If so, use a goat mineral with selenium and consider giving an injectable selenium and vitamin E product to newborn kids according to your veterinarian's recommendation. ## Forage: The Foundation of Goat Nutrition Forage should make up 70 to 100 percent of a goat's diet depending on the production stage. Forage comes in two main forms: pasture and hay. Both can be excellent sources of nutrition if managed properly. ### Pasture Management for Goats Goats prefer browse, which includes woody plants, brush, leaves, and broadleaf weeds. They will eat grass, but it is not their first choice. A pasture for goats should include a mix of grasses, legumes, and browse species. This diversity provides a more complete nutrient profile and allows goats to select the plants they need. Rotational grazing is the best way to manage goat pasture. Divide your pasture into smaller paddocks and move goats through them on a schedule. This prevents overgrazing, reduces parasite buildup, and allows plants to recover. A typical rotation might involve moving goats every 3 to 7 days depending on pasture size and stocking rate. Stocking rate depends on your region, rainfall, and pasture quality. A general guideline is 6 to 10 goats per acre for a full season on decent pasture, but this varies widely. Start conservative and monitor body condition to adjust. Watch for poisonous plants in pasture. Goats will eat many plants that are toxic to them, especially when pasture is overgrazed and they are hungry. Common toxic plants include rhododendron, azalea, yew, bracken fern, and certain species of nightshade. Learn which poisonous plants grow in your area and remove them from pasture and fence lines. ### Hay Selection and Feeding Hay is the primary winter feed for most goat operations. Good quality hay is leafy, green, and free of mold, dust, and weeds. It should smell sweet, not musty or fermented. When you open a bale, it should not be hot or steamy, which indicates it was baled too wet. Grass hays like timothy, orchard grass, and bermudagrass are lower in protein and energy but higher in fiber. Legume hays like alfalfa and clover are higher in protein and calcium. A mix of grass and legume hay often provides the best balance. Feed hay in a feeder, not on the ground. Hay on the ground gets trampled, soiled, and wasted. It also increases the risk of parasite infection because goats pick up worm larvae from contaminated ground. A hay feeder with a grate or mesh allows goats to pull hay through while reducing waste. Estimate hay consumption at 2 to 4 percent of body weight in dry matter per day. A 150 pound goat will eat about 3 to 6 pounds of hay daily. This varies with temperature, activity level, and production stage. In cold weather, goats eat more to generate body heat. ### Browse and Supplemental Forage Goats benefit from access to browse even when they are fed hay. Brushy areas, tree lines, and overgrown fencerows provide natural forage and help satisfy the goat's instinct to browse. Some producers intentionally use goats for brush control, which is a form of targeted grazing. If you have wooded areas on your property, allowing goats access can improve their diet and reduce feed costs. ## Concentrates and Supplements Concentrates are feeds that are high in energy or protein and low in fiber. They include grains like corn, oats, and barley, as well as commercial pellets and protein meals. Concentrates are used to supplement forage when energy or protein needs are higher than forage can provide. ### When to Feed Grain Not all goats need grain. A dry doe in early pregnancy on good pasture or hay may not need any concentrate. Feeding unnecessary grain wastes money and can cause health problems. Grain is needed in these situations: - Lactating does producing milk - Growing kids being prepared for market or breeding - Thin goats that need to gain weight - Working bucks during breeding season - Goats on poor quality forage A general guideline is to feed 0.5 to 1 percent of body weight in grain per day for goats that need supplemental energy. A 150 pound lactating doe might receive 0.75 to 1.5 pounds of grain daily. This is a starting point, not a fixed rule. Adjust based on body condition and production. ### Commercial Goat Feeds Commercial goat feeds are formulated to meet the specific needs of goats. They come in several forms including pellets, textured mixes, and blocks. Pellets are convenient and reduce waste. Textured mixes are more palatable but goats may sort out their favorite ingredients and leave the rest. Choose a feed labeled for goats, not for sheep or cattle. Goat feeds contain appropriate levels of copper and other minerals. If you cannot find a goat specific feed locally, work with your veterinarian or extension agent to develop a ration using other ingredients. ### Protein Supplements When forage is low in protein, a protein supplement may be needed. Soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and canola meal are common protein supplements. They can be mixed with grain or fed separately. Commercial protein blocks are also available, but goats may not consume enough from a block to meet their needs. ### Feeding Grain Safely Grain feeding requires careful management. Always introduce grain gradually over 7 to 10 days. Start with a small amount and increase slowly. Feed grain in a trough or feeder that allows all goats to eat at once. If some goats are [dominant](/blog/careers/dominant-definition-biology), they may eat more than their share while timid goats get nothing. Provide enough feeder space so all goats can eat simultaneously. Never feed moldy or spoiled grain. It can cause illness and death. Store grain in a dry, rodent proof container. Check feed tags for expiration dates and buy only what you will use within a few months. ## Feeding by Life Stage Different goats have different nutritional needs. A feeding program that works for one group may be wrong for another. Separate goats by age, sex, and production stage so each group receives the appropriate ration. ### Feeding Does Does have different needs depending on their stage of the reproductive cycle. The feeding program should be adjusted throughout the year. **Maintenance and early pregnancy.** During the first half of pregnancy, a doe's nutritional needs are similar to maintenance. Good quality forage is usually sufficient. Do not let does become too fat or too thin. Overconditioned does have more kidding problems and produce less milk. **Late pregnancy.** During the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy, the kids are growing rapidly and taking up space in the abdomen. The doe may not be able to eat enough forage to meet her needs because the kids are pressing on her rumen. Begin gradually introducing grain about 4 to 6 weeks before kidding. This also helps the rumen microbes adapt to grain, which prepares the doe for the high energy demands of lactation. **Lactation.** A lactating doe has the highest nutritional needs of any animal in the herd. She needs 14 to 16 percent protein and significantly more energy than a dry doe. Feed good quality forage free choice plus 1 to 2 pounds of grain per day, adjusting based on milk production and body condition. A doe producing a lot of milk will need more feed than one producing less. **Drying off.** About 2 months before the next kidding, or when you decide to stop milking, gradually reduce grain and switch the doe back to a forage based diet. This allows her udder to dry up and gives her a break from the demands of lactation. ### Feeding Kids Kids are born with a functioning rumen, but it is not fully developed. For the first few weeks of life, milk is the primary food. Colostrum, the first milk produced by the doe, is critical in the first 24 hours. It contains antibodies that protect the kid from disease. Kids nursing their dams will start nibbling on hay and grain within the first few weeks. Provide a creep feeder with high quality hay and a starter grain formulated for kids. This encourages rumen development and provides extra nutrition beyond what milk supplies. Weaning typically occurs at 8 to 12 weeks of age. Kids should be eating solid feed well before weaning to minimize stress. After weaning, continue feeding a high quality grower ration until kids reach their target weight. Growing kids need 14 to 18 percent protein for proper muscle and bone development. ### Feeding Bucks Bucks are often ignored in feeding programs until breeding season, which is a mistake. A buck that is underconditioned at the start of breeding season will not breed as effectively. A buck that is overconditioned may be lazy and have reduced libido. During the breeding season, bucks may go off feed because they are focused on breeding. They can lose significant weight. Provide good quality forage and supplement with grain during breeding season. After breeding season, allow the buck to regain condition gradually. Bucks are prone to urinary calculi, especially when fed high grain diets. Avoid feeding excessive grain to bucks. Ensure the calcium to phosphorus ratio stays balanced and provide free-choice goat mineral. Some producers add ammonium chloride to the feed or water to help prevent urinary calculi. Ask your veterinarian if this is appropriate for your herd. ### Feeding Wethers Wethers, which are castrated male goats, are often raised for meat or as pets. They are prone to urinary calculi, especially when fed high grain diets. Limit grain to no more than 0.5 percent of body weight per day. Provide adequate forage and plenty of fresh water. Adding ammonium chloride to the diet can help prevent calculi formation. ## Body Condition Scoring Body condition scoring is a hands-on method for evaluating whether goats are too thin, too fat, or just right. It is more accurate than looking at a goat because hair and rumen fill can hide weight changes. Learn to feel the goat's spine, ribs, and sternum to assign a score. The most common scale is 1 to 5, with 1 being emaciated and 5 being obese. A score of 3 is ideal for most goats. **Score 1.** The goat is extremely thin. The spine, ribs, and hip bones are sharp and easily felt. There is no fat cover. This goat is in critical condition and needs immediate attention. **Score 2.** The goat is thin. The spine and ribs are prominent but have a slight cover of muscle and fat. The goat may have a tucked up appearance. **Score 3.** The goat is in good condition. The spine and ribs can be felt with light pressure but are not visible. There is a moderate fat cover over the ribs and sternum. **Score 4.** The goat is fleshy. The spine and ribs are difficult to feel without firm pressure. There is a thick fat cover over the sternum and tail head. **Score 5.** The goat is obese. The spine and ribs cannot be felt. Fat deposits are visible over the tail head, sternum, and behind the shoulders. Score your goats at regular intervals. A good schedule is once a month, with more frequent checks during late pregnancy and lactation. If scores are trending down, increase feed. If they are trending up, decrease concentrate and evaluate forage quality. ## How to Build a Feeding Program Building a feeding program starts with knowing what you have and what your goats need. Follow these steps to create a ration that keeps your herd healthy. ### Step 1: Test Your Forage You cannot balance a ration without knowing the nutrient content of your forage. Send a hay sample to a forage testing laboratory. Your local extension office can tell you how to take a sample and where to send it. The test will report protein, energy, fiber, and mineral content. Test each cutting or batch of hay separately. Hay from different fields or different years can vary significantly. Test new hay before feeding it to the herd. ### Step 2: Determine Your Goats' Needs Use the nutrient requirements for each class of goat in your herd. A simple chart can help you organize this information. List each group of goats, their average weight, and their production stage. This tells you the protein and energy levels you are aiming for. ### Step 3: Calculate the Ration Start with forage as the base. Determine how much forage your goats will eat and what nutrients it provides. Then calculate the gap between what the forage provides and what the goats need. Fill that gap with concentrates. Forage testing reports and feed tags provide the information you need. A simple spreadsheet can help with the calculations. Your extension agent can also help you balance a ration. Many land grant universities offer free or low cost ration balancing services. ### Step 4: Implement and Monitor Introduce any new feed gradually. Feed at the same time each day. Observe goats while they eat to make sure all animals are getting enough. Monitor body condition scores and adjust the ration as needed. ### Step 5: Reassess Regularly Nutritional needs change throughout the year. Reassess the ration at each production stage. A ration that works for dry does will not work for lactating does. A ration that works in summer may need adjustment in winter when cold weather increases energy needs. ## Feeding Management and Equipment How you feed is as important as what you feed. Good feeding management reduces waste, prevents injury, and ensures all goats get their share. ### Feeders and Troughs Provide enough feeder space so all goats can eat at the same time. Dominant goats will push aside timid ones if space is limited. A general guideline is 12 to 18 inches of feeder space per adult goat. Round feeders allow more goats to eat at once than straight troughs. Hay feeders should have a grate or mesh to reduce waste. Goats pull hay through the openings and drop less on the ground. Grain troughs should be heavy enough that goats cannot tip them over. Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold and contamination. ### Mineral Feeders Provide free-choice loose mineral in a covered feeder. A mineral feeder should protect the mineral from rain and wind. Place it near the water source so goats find it easily. Check mineral intake regularly. If goats are not consuming mineral, the product may be unpalatable or contaminated. Try a different brand or formulation. Do not use mineral blocks as the sole mineral source for goats. Goats have difficulty consuming enough from a block to meet their needs. Loose mineral is preferred. ### Water Systems Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. In winter, heated waterers prevent freezing and encourage drinking. In summer, shade over water troughs keeps water cooler and more appealing. Clean water troughs weekly to prevent algae and bacterial growth. ### Feeding Schedule Goats prefer routine. Feed at the same times each day. Many producers feed hay in the morning and evening, with grain once daily. Feeding grain in the morning allows you to observe which goats are eating and which are off feed. ### Grouping Goats Separate goats into groups by age, sex, and production stage. Bucks should be housed separately from does except during breeding. Pregnant does should be separated from the main herd before kidding. Kids should have their own creep area. Grouping allows you to tailor the ration to each group's needs. ## Common Feeding Mistakes Many goat health problems trace back to feeding errors. Recognizing these mistakes can help you avoid them. ### Feeding Too Much Grain Grain is a supplement, not the main diet. Too much grain causes acidosis, which can be fatal. Signs of acidosis include diarrhea, lethargy, off feed, and grinding teeth. In severe cases, goats may die within 24 to 48 hours. If you suspect acidosis, call a veterinarian immediately. ### Feeding Sheep Mineral to Goats Sheep mineral lacks adequate copper for goats. Over time, goats fed sheep mineral develop copper deficiency. Signs include faded hair color, poor growth, and weakened immune system. Always use mineral labeled for goats. ### Sudden Feed Changes The rumen microbes need time to adapt to new feeds. A sudden change from hay to grain, or from one grain to another, can cause digestive upset. Introduce new feeds gradually over 7 to 10 days. ### Feeding Moldy or Spoiled Feed Moldy hay or grain can cause illness. Some molds produce toxins that damage the liver or nervous system. Discard any feed that is moldy, musty, or spoiled. Do not feed hay that was rained on after cutting if it has started to heat. ### Ignoring Water Water is the most essential nutrient, yet it is often overlooked. Frozen troughs in winter and dirty troughs in summer reduce water intake. Dehydrated goats eat less and produce less milk. Check water supplies daily. ### Overlooking Individual Needs Goats within a group have different needs. Young goats, old goats, and sick goats may not compete well at the feeder. Watch for goats that are losing weight even though the group average looks fine. Pull out any goat that is not thriving and feed it separately. ### Not Adjusting for Weather Cold weather increases energy needs. Goats use energy to stay warm. Provide extra hay during cold snaps. Hot weather reduces feed intake. Provide shade and fresh water to encourage eating during summer. ## Monitoring and Recordkeeping Good feeding management requires observation and records. You cannot know if your program is working without tracking results. ### Daily Observations Watch goats while they eat. Note any goat that is not eating, drinking, or chewing cud. A goat that stops eating is the first sign of many health problems. Check water troughs daily. Observe manure consistency. Loose manure can indicate too much grain or a parasite problem. ### Weekly Checks Weigh feed and estimate consumption. Check mineral and salt intake. Look for signs of feed waste around feeders. Adjust feeding amounts as needed. ### Monthly Body Condition Scoring Score all adult goats monthly. Track changes over time. A gradual decline in condition may indicate a problem with feed quality, parasite load, or dental issues. A rapid decline requires immediate attention. ### Records to Keep Maintain a simple record for each goat or group. Record feed type and amount, body condition scores, weight changes, health treatments, and production data like milk yield or weight gain. These records help you make informed decisions about feeding and culling. ## When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent Some feeding problems require professional help. Contact your veterinarian if you see any of these signs: - A goat that refuses to eat for more than 24 hours - Severe diarrhea or bloating - Signs of acidosis such as staggering, grinding teeth, or lethargy - A goat that cannot stand or is unresponsive - Urinary blockage, which is an emergency - Weight loss despite adequate feed intake - Multiple goats showing the same signs of illness Your veterinarian can help you diagnose disease, test for mineral deficiencies, and develop treatment plans. They can also perform necropsies on animals that die to determine the cause. Your local extension agent can help with forage testing, ration balancing, pasture management, and parasite control. Many extension offices offer soil testing, which helps you understand the mineral content of your pasture. They can also connect you with local resources and educational programs. The American Consortium for [Small Ruminant Parasite Control](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/food-animal-medicine/small-ruminant-parasite-control-diagnostic-strategies-anthelmintic-stewardship) provides information on managing internal parasites, which is closely linked to nutrition. Parasite infected goats cannot use nutrients efficiently, so they lose condition even on a good diet. A FAMACHA scoring system, which evaluates anemia in goats, can help you identify which goats need deworming. ## Feeding for Specific Conditions ### Feeding Thin Goats Thin goats need more energy and protein. Increase grain gradually and provide better quality forage. Check for parasites and treat if needed. Provide a high protein supplement like soybean meal if forage is low in protein. Monitor weight gain and adjust the ration as the goat improves. ### Feeding Overweight Goats Overweight goats are at risk for kidding problems, fatty liver disease, and reduced fertility. Reduce or eliminate grain and feed only forage. Use a lower quality hay if needed to reduce energy intake. Increase exercise if possible. Do not starve the goat, but restrict calories gradually. ### Feeding Sick Goats Sick goats often go off feed. Offer highly palatable feeds like fresh grass, leafy alfalfa, or a small amount of grain mixed with molasses. Provide warm water with electrolytes. If the goat will not eat, you may need to provide supportive care under veterinary direction. ### Feeding Goats in Cold Weather Cold weather increases energy needs by 10 to 25 percent. Provide extra hay during cold snaps. Hay digestion generates body heat, so increasing hay is better than increasing grain. Ensure water does not freeze. Windbreaks and shelter reduce heat loss. ### Feeding Goats in Hot Weather Hot weather reduces feed intake. Provide shade and cool water. Feed during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and evening. Consider adding a small amount of grain to maintain energy intake if forage consumption drops. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much hay should I feed my goats per day? A mature goat eats about 2 to 4 percent of its body weight in dry matter per day. A 150 pound goat needs roughly 3 to 6 pounds of hay daily. This varies with age, production stage, temperature, and activity level. Lactating does and growing kids need more per pound of body weight than dry does. Start with this guideline and adjust based on body condition scores. If goats are losing weight, increase hay. If they are gaining excess weight, reduce hay or switch to a lower quality forage. ### Can I feed my goats only grain and no hay? No. Goats need forage for proper rumen function. Grain is low in fiber and does not stimulate chewing or saliva production. A goat fed only grain will develop acidosis, founder, and other digestive problems. Forage should make up at least 70 percent of the diet for most goats. Even in intensive feeding systems, goats need some long stem forage to keep the rumen healthy. ### Why are my goats losing weight even though they eat a lot? Several factors can cause weight loss despite adequate feed intake. Internal parasites are the most common cause. Worms damage the intestinal lining and prevent nutrient absorption. Dental problems can prevent goats from chewing feed properly. Poor quality forage may be low in protein or energy even if goats eat large amounts. Chronic disease can also cause weight loss. Check fecal egg counts for parasites, examine teeth, and have your forage tested. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian. ### Do goats need grain every day? No. Many goats do fine on forage alone, especially dry does and wethers in maintenance. Grain is needed for lactating does, growing kids, thin goats, and working bucks. Feeding unnecessary grain wastes money and increases the risk of urinary calculi, acidosis, and obesity. Evaluate each group of goats and feed grain only when forage alone cannot meet their needs. ### What is the best mineral supplement for goats? Use a loose mineral formulated specifically for goats. It should contain copper, selenium, zinc, manganese, and iodine at appropriate levels. Avoid sheep minerals because they are too low in copper for goats. Avoid cattle minerals because they may have the wrong copper to molybdenum ratio. Provide mineral free choice in a covered feeder and monitor consumption. If goats are not eating the mineral, try a different brand or formulation. ### How do I prevent urinary calculi in my bucks and wethers? Urinary calculi are more common in males than females because of their longer, narrower urethra. Prevention focuses on diet. Limit grain to no more than 0.5 percent of body weight per day. Maintain a calcium to phosphorus ratio of about 2 to 1. Provide free-choice goat mineral. Ensure goats drink plenty of water by providing clean, fresh water at all times. Some producers add ammonium chloride to the feed or water to acidify the urine and prevent stone formation. Ask your veterinarian about the appropriate dose. ### Can goats eat kitchen scraps and garden waste? Goats can eat many kitchen scraps and garden vegetables, but they should be introduced gradually and fed in moderation. Avoid feeding anything moldy, spoiled, or toxic. Do not feed avocado, chocolate, or anything containing caffeine. Onions and garlic in large amounts can cause anemia. Potato peels and green potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic. When in doubt, do not feed it. Kitchen scraps should supplement, not replace, a balanced diet. ### How often should I change my goats' feed? Do not change feed frequently. Goats do best on a consistent diet. When you must change feed, such as switching hay batches or adding grain for lactation, make the change gradually over 7 to 10 days. Mix the new feed with the old feed, increasing the proportion of new feed each day. This allows the rumen microbes to adapt and prevents digestive upset. ## Related Farming Guides This section will be populated with links to related guides on goat health, breeding, pasture management, and other small ruminant topics. Check back for updates. ## 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.