# Goat Pasture and Forage Management: Species Selection and Grazing Systems ## Key Takeaways - Goats are intermediate feeders with a preference hierarchy for browse, forbs, and grasses; optimal pasture management necessitates including a diverse mix of legumes (e.g., clover, alfalfa), forbs (e.g., chicory, plantain), and grasses (e.g., orchardgrass, endophyte-free tall fescue) adapted to local conditions. - Rotational grazing systems are critical for parasite control, requiring paddock rest periods of 21-30 days for cool-season forages to allow plant recovery and parasite die-off, while maintaining a residual forage height of 3-4 inches to minimize larval ingestion. - Stocking rates should be adjusted based on forage growth and animal condition, with a starting point of 6-10 mature goats per acre on improved pasture, and monitoring body condition scores (target 2.5-3.5 on a 5-point scale) is essential. - Seasonal forage management involves planning for cool- and warm-season species to extend the grazing season, and supplementing with hay or browse during dormancy, with particular attention to increased nutritional needs during lactation and growth. - Multi-species grazing, particularly with cattle or horses, enhances pasture utilization by leveraging different forage preferences and aids in parasite control due to host specificity of most internal parasites. - Forage species to avoid or use with caution include sorghum, sudangrass, and Johnson grass due to prussic acid poisoning risk, and endophyte-infected tall fescue which causes fescue toxicosis. --- Goat pasture and forage management requires deliberate species selection and controlled grazing systems to match the nutritional needs of goats with the productive capacity of the land. Goats are intermediate feeders that prefer browse, forbs, and grasses in that order, and their grazing behavior differs from cattle or sheep. Effective pasture management for goats involves selecting forage species that tolerate close grazing, designing rotational grazing systems that control parasite exposure, and adjusting stocking rates to prevent overgrazing while maintaining adequate nutrition. This article provides practical guidance on forage species selection, rotational grazing design, seasonal management, and record keeping for goat producers. ## At a Glance: Key Decisions in Goat Pasture Management | Management Decision | Primary Consideration | Practical Recommendation | |---------------------|----------------------|--------------------------| | Forage species selection | Goats prefer browse and forbs over grasses, nutritional quality varies by growth stage | Plant a mix of legumes (e.g., clover, alfalfa), forbs (e.g., chicory, plantain), and grasses (e.g., orchardgrass, tall fescue) adapted to your climate and soil | | Grazing system design | Goats are susceptible to internal parasites, continuous grazing increases parasite load | Use rotational grazing with rest periods of 21-30 days for grass recovery and parasite die-off | | Stocking rate determination | Overgrazing reduces forage quality and increases erosion, undergrazing wastes forage | Start with 6-10 mature goats per acre of improved pasture, adjust based on forage growth rate and body condition scores | | Seasonal forage management | Forage quality declines with maturity, goats need higher quality during lactation and growth | Plan for cool-season and warm-season forage combinations to extend the grazing season, supplement with hay or browse during dormancy | | Parasite control integration | Pasture management is the primary tool for parasite control | Graze goats after cattle or horses to break parasite cycles, avoid grazing below 3-4 inches to reduce larval ingestion | ## Forage Species Selection for Goats ### Understanding [Goat Feeding Behavior](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-feeding-behavior-bunk-management-reducing-waste-aggression) Goats are classified as intermediate feeders or browsers, meaning they naturally select a diet composed of browse (woody plants, leaves, and twigs), forbs (broadleaf herbaceous plants), and grasses. This feeding behavior influences which forage species will be most acceptable and productive in a goat pasture system. The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS) conducts research on forage species adaptation and livestock nutrition that can inform species selection for specific regions (www.ars.usda.gov). The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical guides for forage species adapted to local soil and climate conditions (www.nrcs.usda.gov). When selecting forage species for goats, consider the following factors: - **Palatability**: Goats show strong preferences for certain species. Bitter or coarse grasses are often rejected. - **Nutritional quality**: Forage quality declines as plants mature. Select species that maintain quality over a longer harvest window. - **Tolerance to grazing pressure**: Goats graze closer to the ground than cattle. Species must tolerate close defoliation. - **Adaptation to local conditions**: Match species to your soil type, rainfall pattern, and temperature extremes. - **Seasonality**: Combine cool-season and warm-season species to extend the grazing season. ### Recommended Grass Species Grasses should form a portion of the goat pasture but not the majority. Goats will consume grasses when browse and forbs are limited, but they prefer other forages. The following grasses are commonly used in goat pastures: **Cool-season grasses** (productive in spring and fall): - Orchardgrass (*Dactylis glomerata*): Palatable, tolerates close grazing, good regrowth. - Tall fescue (*Festuca arundinacea*): Persistent, but may contain endophyte that causes fescue toxicosis. Use endophyte-free varieties for goats. - Timothy (*Phleum pratense*): Palatable but less tolerant of close grazing. - Perennial ryegrass (*Lolium perenne*): High quality but less persistent under drought or heat stress. **Warm-season grasses** (productive in summer): - Bermudagrass (*Cynodon dactylon*): Tolerates close grazing and drought, but quality declines rapidly with maturity. - Bahiagrass (*Paspalum notatum*): Persistent on poor soils but lower palatability. - Switchgrass (*Panicum virgatum*): Native warm-season grass, good for summer grazing but becomes coarse at maturity. Research on goat feeding has evaluated grass-based diets. One study examined the effect of palm kernel cake as a protein source in a concentrate diet on intake, digestibility, and live weight gain of goats fed Napier grass (*Pennisetum purpureum*), a tropical grass commonly used in cut-and-carry systems (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2013, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23096766). Another study reviewed the effects of quality forage supplementation on growth performance of cattle and goats fed elephant grass basal diet, noting that supplementation with higher-quality forages can improve performance when grass quality is low (Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2018, api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85057770310). ### Recommended Legume Species Legumes are valuable in goat pastures because they fix nitrogen, improve soil fertility, and provide high-protein forage. Goats readily consume most legumes. **Perennial legumes**: - White clover (*Trifolium repens*): Highly palatable, tolerates close grazing, persists in mixed swards. - Red clover (*Trifolium pratense*): High yield but less persistent than white clover. - Alfalfa (*Medicago sativa*): Excellent quality but requires deep, well-drained soils and does not tolerate continuous close grazing. - Birdsfoot trefoil (*Lotus corniculatus*): Non-bloating, tolerates poor soils, contains condensed tannins that may improve protein utilization. **Annual legumes**: - Annual ryegrass/clover mixtures: Used for winter grazing in mild climates. - Crimson clover (*Trifolium incarnatum*): Winter annual, good for overseeding into warm-season grasses. - Hairy vetch (*Vicia villosa*): Winter annual, high protein content. ### Recommended Forb and Browse Species Forbs and browse are the preferred forages for goats. Including these species in pasture plantings or managing existing brush and woodland can significantly improve goat performance. **Herbaceous forbs**: - Chicory (*Cichorium intybus*): Deep-rooted perennial, highly palatable, contains condensed tannins that may reduce internal parasite burden. - Plantain (*Plantago lanceolata*): Tolerates close grazing, palatable, also contains tannins. - Forage rape and turnips: Annual brassicas used for fall and winter grazing. **Browse species** (woody plants): - Black locust (*Robinia pseudoacacia*): High protein leaves but toxic bark and seeds, use with caution. - Willow (*Salix spp.*): Palatable, good for riparian areas. - Multiflora rose (*Rosa multiflora*): Invasive but highly palatable to goats, goats can be used for biological control. - Kudzu (*Pueraria montana*): Invasive vine that goats readily consume. - Blackberry and bramble species: Goats will strip leaves and young stems. Research has examined the effects of feeding ensiled mixtures of elephant grass with three grain legume plants on digestibility and nitrogen balance of West African Dwarf goats, demonstrating that legume-grass mixtures can improve nitrogen utilization (Livestock Science, 2011, doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2011.06.020). Another study evaluated consumption value and goat livestock weight gain through Taiwanese grass feeding using morinda bio-activator liquid fertilizer, showing that forage quality management affects growth (Materials Science Forum, 2019, doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.967.101). ### Forage Species to Avoid or Use with Caution Some forage species are toxic to goats or cause health problems: - **Sorghum and sudangrass**: Can cause prussic acid poisoning, especially after frost or drought. Do not graze when plants are stressed or less than 18 inches tall. - **Johnson grass**: Also can cause prussic acid poisoning. - **Tall fescue with endophyte**: Causes fescue toxicosis (reduced feed intake, poor weight gains, rough hair coat, retained placenta). Use endophyte-free or novel endophyte varieties. - **Alsike clover**: Can cause photosensitization and liver damage in horses and potentially in goats. - **Rhododendron, azalea, yew, and other ornamental plants**: Highly toxic. Prevent goat access to landscaping and yard waste. ## Grazing System Design for Goats ### Rotational Grazing Principles Rotational grazing involves dividing a pasture into smaller paddocks and moving goats through them on a schedule that allows forage recovery and parasite die-off. This system is particularly important for goats because they are highly susceptible to internal parasites, and pasture management is the primary non-chemical control method. The Merck Veterinary Manual provides guidance on management and nutrition for goats, including grazing management strategies for parasite control (www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also publishes resources on animal production systems, including grazing management for small ruminants (www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Key principles of rotational grazing for goats: 1. **Paddock size and number**: Divide the total pasture area into at least 6-8 paddocks. More paddocks allow longer rest periods and better forage utilization. 2. **Stocking density**: Higher stocking densities for shorter periods improve forage utilization and reduce selective grazing. 3. **Grazing period**: Graze each paddock for 3-7 days depending on forage growth rate and paddock size. Shorter grazing periods are better for parasite control. 4. **Rest period**: Allow 21-30 days of rest between grazing events for cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses may need 30-45 days. Longer rest periods are needed during slow growth (drought, cold). 5. **Residual height**: Leave 3-4 inches of stubble to protect plant crowns and maintain root reserves. Goats will graze closer than cattle, so monitor residual height carefully. ### Designing Paddocks for Goats Paddock design should account for goat behavior and management needs: - **Fencing**: Goats require secure fencing. Woven wire or high-tensile electric fencing with 4-5 strands is recommended. Net fencing (electrified poultry netting) works well for temporary paddocks. - **Water access**: Provide clean water in each paddock or along laneways. Goats drink 1-2 gallons per day depending on temperature and lactation status. - **Shade and shelter**: Goats need protection from extreme heat, cold, and precipitation. Trees, shade cloth, or portable shelters should be available in each paddock. - **Mineral feeders**: Provide loose minerals in weatherproof feeders. Goats require copper, selenium, and other trace minerals that may be deficient in forages. - **Handling facilities**: Include a catch pen or handling chute in the grazing system for routine health checks, hoof trimming, and treatments. ### Stocking Rate Determination Stocking rate is the number of animals per unit area over a defined period. The correct stocking rate depends on forage productivity, soil fertility, climate, and management goals. Research on productive responses of breeding Cashmere goats and their kids to different stocking rates on improved upland pastures found that stocking rate affects animal performance and pasture condition (Journal of Animal Science, 2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27065288). This study demonstrates that stocking rate decisions should be based on local conditions and production objectives. General guidelines for goat stocking rates: - **Improved pasture** (fertile, well-managed): 6-10 mature goats per acre - **Moderate pasture** (average fertility, some weed pressure): 4-6 goats per acre - **Native range or brushland**: 2-4 goats per acre depending on browse availability - **Intensive rotational grazing** (high fertility, irrigation): 10-20 goats per acre for short grazing periods These are starting points. Adjust based on: - Body condition scores (target 2.5-3.5 on a 5-point scale) - Forage height and density before and after grazing - Kid growth rates and milk production - Rainfall and growing conditions ### Multi-Species Grazing Grazing goats with cattle or horses can improve pasture utilization and parasite control. Goats prefer browse and forbs, while cattle prefer grasses. This complementary grazing reduces competition and allows more efficient use of the pasture. Multi-species grazing also helps break parasite cycles. Most internal parasites are host-specific, so parasites that infect goats do not infect cattle and vice versa. Grazing cattle after goats allows cattle to ingest and remove goat parasites from the pasture. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare, including information on integrated parasite management strategies that include multi-species grazing (www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). ## Seasonal Forage Management ### Spring Grazing Management Spring is the period of most rapid forage growth. Manage spring grazing carefully to balance forage quality with plant development: - **First grazing**: Begin grazing when grasses are 6-8 inches tall. Grazing too early damages plant crowns and reduces yield. - **Grazing intensity**: Use higher stocking densities in spring to keep up with rapid growth. Remove goats before plants are grazed below 3-4 inches. - **Clip or hay excess growth**: If forage outpaces grazing, clip or hay paddocks to maintain quality. Mature, stemmy forage is low in protein and energy. - **Monitor for bloat**: Legume-rich pastures can cause bloat in goats. Provide access to dry hay before turning goats onto lush legume pastures. ### Summer Grazing Management Summer heat and potential drought stress require adjustments: - **Extend rest periods**: During hot, dry weather, forage growth slows. Extend rest periods to 35-45 days to allow recovery. - **Provide shade and water**: Heat stress reduces feed intake and can cause health problems. Ensure adequate shade and clean water in every paddock. - **Use warm-season forages**: If cool-season grasses go dormant, shift goats to warm-season grasses, browse, or supplemental feeding. - **Monitor for parasites**: Summer is the peak season for internal parasites. Use fecal egg counts to monitor parasite burden and adjust grazing management accordingly. ### Fall Grazing Management Fall is the second growth period for cool-season forages. Manage for winter feed reserves: - **Stockpile forage**: Allow cool-season grasses to accumulate growth in late summer for fall and winter grazing. Stockpiled tall fescue can provide quality forage into winter. - **Graze crop residues**: After harvest, goats can graze corn stalks, bean stubble, or small grain residues. Supplement with protein if needed. - **Plan for winter feed**: Estimate hay needs based on animal numbers and expected grazing days. Test hay for nutritional quality. - **Body condition management**: Increase feed quality in late fall to help goats maintain body condition through winter. ### Winter Feeding Strategies Winter requires supplemental feeding in most climates: - **Hay feeding**: Provide good-quality grass-legume hay. Test hay for protein and energy content. Goats waste less hay when fed in racks or nets. - **Browse supplementation**: Offer tree branches, shrub clippings, or hay from browse species if available. - **Concentrate supplementation**: Pregnant and lactating does may need grain or protein supplements. Feed according to body condition and production stage. - **Water access**: Ensure water does not freeze. Goats will reduce feed intake if water is unavailable. ## Practical Implementation Steps ### Step 1: Assess Your Land and Resources Before establishing or improving goat pasture, evaluate: - **Soil type and fertility**: Conduct a soil test through your local extension service. Adjust pH to 6.0-6.5 for most legumes and grasses. - **Existing vegetation**: Identify current forage species, weed pressure, and brush cover. Goats can be used to clear brush before pasture establishment. - **Water sources**: Locate water points for each paddock. Consider pipeline, tanks, and freeze-proof options. - **Fencing needs**: Plan perimeter and internal fencing. Budget for materials and labor. - **Climate and growing season**: Know your frost dates, rainfall patterns, and temperature extremes. ### Step 2: Select Forage Species Based on your assessment, choose a forage mix that includes: - **Base grass**: One or two adapted grass species (e.g., orchardgrass and tall fescue for cool-season, bermudagrass for warm-season). - **Legume component**: White clover or red clover for nitrogen fixation and quality. - **Forb component**: Chicory or plantain for palatability and parasite management. - **Browse areas**: Maintain or establish brushy areas, hedgerows, or woodland for browsing. ### Step 3: Establish or Improve Pasture - **Site preparation**: Control perennial weeds, till or no-till drill seed, and firm the seedbed. - **Seeding rate**: Follow recommended rates for your species mix. Overseeding into existing sod may require higher rates. - **Timing**: Cool-season species are best seeded in late summer or early fall. Warm-season species are seeded in spring after soil warms. - **Fertilization**: Apply lime and fertilizer based on soil test results. Nitrogen is less critical if legumes are established. - **Weed control**: Mow or spot-treat weeds before they set seed. Goats will consume many weeds, but toxic species must be removed. ### Step 4: Design Grazing System - **Divide pasture into paddocks**: Use permanent fencing for boundaries and temporary fencing for internal divisions. - **Plan water and shade**: Ensure each paddock has access to water and shade. - **Establish lanes**: Create laneways for moving goats between paddocks without damaging pasture. - **Set initial stocking rate**: Start conservatively and adjust based on observation. ### Step 5: Implement Grazing Schedule - **Begin grazing when forage is 6-8 inches tall**. - **Move goats when forage is grazed to 3-4 inches**. - **Rest paddocks for 21-30 days** (longer in slow growth periods). - **Monitor body condition and forage quality** weekly. ### Step 6: Monitor and Adjust - **Record grazing dates and paddock conditions**. - **Assess forage recovery after each rest period**. - **Adjust stocking rate or paddock size based on forage growth**. - **Conduct fecal egg counts every 4-6 weeks during grazing season**. ## Records and Measurements Maintaining accurate records allows you to evaluate pasture management decisions and make adjustments. Record the following: ### Grazing Records | Date | Paddock ID | Number of Goats | Days Grazed | Forage Height Before | Forage Height After | Rest Period Start | Notes | |------|------------|-----------------|-------------|----------------------|---------------------|-------------------|-------| | 4/15 | Paddock 1 | 25 | 4 | 10 in | 4 in | 4/19 | Good regrowth | | 4/19 | Paddock 2 | 25 | 5 | 8 in | 3 in | 4/24 | Need longer rest | ### Forage Quality Records - **Hay test results**: Crude protein, energy (TDN or NEm), fiber (ADF, NDF), and minerals. - **Pasture forage samples**: Collect samples periodically to estimate quality. - **Body condition scores**: Record scores for a sample of does at key points (pre-breeding, mid-gestation, kidding, weaning). ### Animal Performance Records - **Weight gains**: Weigh kids at birth, weaning, and market. - **Milk production**: Estimate or measure milk yield for dairy goats. - **Health events**: Record parasite treatments, illness, and deaths. ### Financial Records - **Pasture establishment costs**: Seed, fertilizer, fencing, labor. - **Supplemental feed costs**: Hay, grain, minerals. - **Veterinary and treatment costs**: Dewormers, vaccines, hoof care. ## Common Failure Patterns in Goat Pasture Management ### Overgrazing Overgrazing occurs when goats are left on a paddock too long or returned too soon. Signs include: - Forage grazed below 2-3 inches - Bare soil patches - Weed invasion - Reduced forage yield in subsequent rotations - Poor animal body condition **Prevention**: Use rotational grazing with adequate rest periods. Adjust stocking rate based on forage growth. Remove goats when residual height reaches 3-4 inches. ### Underutilization of Browse Goats prefer browse, but many producers focus only on grass pastures. Failure to provide browse leads to: - Boredom and stereotypic behaviors (e.g., chewing on fences) - Reduced feed intake - Increased parasite burden from grazing close to the ground **Prevention**: Maintain brushy areas, hedgerows, or woodland for browsing. Offer tree branches or shrub clippings regularly. ### Parasite Overload Internal parasites are the most significant health problem in grazing goats. Failure to manage pastures for parasite control leads to: - Anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, and death - Reduced production and increased treatment costs - Anthelmintic resistance **Prevention**: Use rotational grazing with rest periods of 21-30 days. Graze after cattle or horses. Monitor with fecal egg counts. Avoid grazing below 3-4 inches. ### Nutritional Deficiencies Forage alone may not meet goat nutritional requirements, especially for: - **Lactating does**: High energy and protein needs - **Growing kids**: Protein and mineral requirements - **Late gestation**: Energy and calcium needs **Prevention**: Test forage quality and supplement as needed. Provide free-choice minerals formulated for goats. Adjust feeding based on body condition and production stage. ### Fescue Toxicosis Grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue causes reduced feed intake, poor weight gains, rough hair coat, and reproductive problems. **Prevention**: Use endophyte-free or novel endophyte tall fescue varieties. Dilute fescue with legumes and other forages. Provide shade and alternative forages during summer. ## Welfare and Safety Considerations ### Animal Welfare Proper pasture management supports goat welfare by providing: - **Appropriate nutrition**: Access to quality forage that meets nutritional needs - **Comfort**: Shade, shelter, and dry lying areas - **Health**: Reduced parasite burden through pasture management - **Natural behavior**: Opportunity to browse, graze, and socialize The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare that include best practices for pasture-based livestock systems (www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). ### Worker Safety Pasture management involves physical labor and equipment operation. Follow these safety practices: - Use proper lifting techniques when handling hay bales, fencing materials, and equipment. - Operate tractors and implements according to manufacturer instructions. - Use personal protective equipment when handling chemicals (herbicides, pesticides). - Secure fencing to prevent entanglement. - Handle goats calmly and use proper restraint techniques to avoid injury. ### [Food Safety](/knowledge/bacteria/livestock-bacteria/cooking-chicken-bacteria-prevention) For producers selling goat meat or milk, pasture management affects food safety: - Avoid grazing goats on land treated with pesticides or herbicides not approved for livestock. - Follow withdrawal periods for any medications or dewormers used. - Maintain clean water sources to prevent contamination. - Prevent access to toxic plants that could contaminate milk or meat. ### Professional Escalation Criteria Consult a veterinarian, extension specialist, or animal scientist when: - **Parasite burden is high despite good pasture management**: Fecal egg counts remain elevated after implementing rotational grazing and multi-species grazing. - **Unexplained illness or death**: Multiple goats show signs of illness or die without clear cause. - **Nutritional problems persist**: Body condition scores decline despite adequate forage availability and supplementation. - **Forage establishment fails**: Seeded pastures do not establish despite proper site preparation and seeding. - **Soil fertility issues**: Soil tests show deficiencies that cannot be corrected with standard fertilizer applications. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best forage for goats? There is no single best forage for goats because their diet should be diverse. Goats prefer browse (woody plants, leaves, and twigs) and forbs (broadleaf plants like chicory and plantain) over grasses. A mixture of legumes (clover, alfalfa), forbs, grasses, and browse provides balanced nutrition and allows goats to select their preferred forages. The best forage mix depends on your climate, soil, and management goals. ### How many goats can I graze per acre? Stocking rates vary widely based on forage productivity, climate, and management. A general starting point is 6-10 mature goats per acre of improved pasture under rotational grazing. On native range or brushland, 2-4 goats per acre may be appropriate. Start conservatively and adjust based on forage growth, body condition scores, and animal performance. Research on Cashmere goats found that stocking rate affects both animal performance and pasture condition (Journal of Animal Science, 2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27065288). ### Can goats graze with cattle? Yes, goats and cattle can be grazed together or in sequence. This multi-species grazing approach improves pasture utilization because goats prefer browse and forbs while cattle prefer grasses. It also helps control internal parasites because most parasites are host-specific. Grazing cattle after goats allows cattle to ingest and remove goat parasites from the pasture. ### How long should I rest a paddock between goat grazing? Rest periods of 21-30 days are recommended for cool-season grasses during active growth. Warm-season grasses may need 30-45 days. Extend rest periods during drought, cold, or other slow-growth conditions. The rest period allows forage to recover and helps break the life cycle of internal parasites, which require about 21 days to develop from eggs to infective larvae. ### What grasses are toxic to goats? Sorghum, sudangrass, and Johnson grass can cause prussic acid poisoning, especially after frost or drought. Do not graze these grasses when they are stressed or less than 18 inches tall. Endophyte-infected tall fescue causes fescue toxicosis. Use endophyte-free or novel endophyte varieties. Many ornamental plants (rhododendron, azalea, yew) are highly toxic. Prevent goat access to landscaping and yard waste. ### Do goats need hay if they have pasture? Goats may need supplemental hay during winter, drought, or when pasture quality is low. Even with good pasture, goats benefit from access to hay or browse during periods of rapid growth or lactation when nutritional demands are high. Hay quality should be tested to ensure it meets nutritional requirements. Goats waste less hay when fed in racks or nets instead of on the ground. ### How do I control parasites with pasture management? Rotational grazing with rest periods of 21-30 days is the primary pasture-based parasite control method. Graze goats after cattle or horses to break parasite cycles. Avoid grazing below 3-4 inches to reduce ingestion of infective larvae. Use multi-species grazing to dilute parasite contamination. Monitor parasite burden with fecal egg counts and treat only when necessary to slow development of anthelmintic resistance. ### What is the best fencing for goat pastures? Goats require secure fencing because they are agile and can escape through small openings. Woven wire fencing with 4-inch by 4-inch openings is effective. High-tensile electric fencing with 4-5 strands is also used. Electrified poultry netting works well for temporary paddocks in rotational grazing systems. All fencing should be checked regularly for damage and maintained to prevent escapes and predator entry. ## Related Farming Guides - [Rotational Browsing And Grazing For Goats](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/rotational-browsing-and-grazing-for-goats) - [Meat Goat Pasture And Browse Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/meat-goat-pasture-and-browse-management) - [Dairy Cow Cooling System Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/dairy-cattle/dairy-cow-cooling-system-management) - [Feeding Dairy Goats By Production Stage](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/feeding-dairy-goats-by-production-stage) - [Predator Management For Goat Farms Prevention And Documentation](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/predator-management-for-goat-farms-prevention-and-documentation) ## 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 and Further Reading - [www.ars.usda.gov](https://www.ars.usda.gov/) - [www.nrcs.usda.gov](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/) - [www.merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition) - [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. - [Animal Health and Welfare](https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). USDA National Agricultural Library. - [Cactus cladodes for dairy goats: what is the best fiber source?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37792107). Tropical animal health and production, 2023. - [Effects of Hemp Seed on the Production, Fatty Acid Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Milk from Goats Fed Hay or a Mixed Shrubs-Grass Rangeland.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38003053). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2023. - [Effect of palm kernel cake as protein source in a concentrate diet on intake, digestibility and live weight gain of goats fed Napier grass.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23096766). Tropical animal health and production, 2013. - [Productive responses of breeding Cashmere goats and their kids to different stocking rates on improved upland pastures.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27065288). Journal of animal science, 2016. - [Nutritional studies on East African herbivores. 2. Losses of nitrogen in the faeces.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1115763). The British journal of nutrition, 1975. - [Effect of polyethylene glycol 4000 supplementation on the performance of indigenous Pedi goats fed different levels of Acacia nilotica leaf meal and ad libitum Buffalo grass hay.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18484126). Tropical animal health and production, 2008. - [A review of the effects of quality forage supplementation on growth performance of cattle and goats fed elephant grass basal diet](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85057770310). Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2018. - [Effects of feeding ensiled mixtures of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) with three grain legume plants on digestibility and nitrogen balance of West African Dwarf goats](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2011.06.020). Livestock Science, 2011. - [Consumption value and goat livestock weight gain through taiwanese grass feeding using morinda bio-activator liquid fertilizer](https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.967.101). Materials Science Forum, 2019. - [Growth performance and feed utilization by intact male Mubende goats fed various supplements with elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureutri) as basal diet in Uganda](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/77951659022). Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2009. > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.