Goat feed formulation is an important part of goat-rearing farms. Goat feed is a formulated diet designed to meet the nutritional needs of goats at various stages of production.

Goat feed usually consists of a combination of different ingredients, including grains, protein sources, vitamins, minerals, and supplements. The specific composition of goat diets generally varies based on factors such as age, breed, reproductive status, and intended use of the goat.

Goat feed formulation

Goat feed meets the nutritional needs of goats at different life stages, such as kids, growing goats, and pregnant and lactating goats. Therefore, the formulation of supplementary feed should be done considering their nutritional needs.

Read more: 105 raw materials for animal feed production.

Concentrate feed for goats

1. Concentrate feed provides energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Common ingredients in concentrate feed include grains (corn, barley, oats), protein sources (soybean meal, cottonseed meal), and various supplements.
3. Concentrate feed should be formulated based on the specific requirements of the goats, such as growth stage, production level (e.g., lactation), and overall health.

Forage for goats

1. Forage is an essential component of goat diets, providing fiber, energy and specific nutrients.
2. Good quality forages include legumes (alfalfa) and grasses (Bermudagrass) that are cut as hay or grazed on pasture.
3. Forage should be provided to goats throughout the day to aid rumen function and digestion.
4. Forage quality varies depending on maturity, species and environmental conditions at harvest.

Formulating goat feed

Important to consider the following when formulating goat feed:

1. Protein: Protein is an important nutrient for a goat’s diet. Goats generally require higher protein levels during growth, lactation, and gestation.
2. Energy: Concentrate feed provides additional energy to support growth, maintenance, reproduction, and production. Forage also contributes to energy intake through fiber fermentation in the rumen.
3. Fiber: Forage is the primary source of fiber in a goat’s diet, essential for rumen function and overall digestive health. Concentrate feeds should contain enough fiber to maintain rumen health but not so much that it interferes with nutrient absorption.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Concentrate feed should be fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Forage quality varies, so supplementation may be necessary to ensure goats receive adequate nutrients.

Read more: Calf grower feed nutritional value.

Nutritional needs of goat feed

Dry matters: 82 %

Crude Protein: 16-18 %

Crude Fat: 4-5 %

Crude Fiber: 8-10 %

Calcium: 2 %

Phosphorus: 1 %

Metabolic Eneargy: 2750 Kcal/Kg

Goat feed formulation chart

Maize: 45 %

Soybean Meal: 20 %

Rice Bran: 5 %

Wheat Bran: 20 %

Molasses (Sugercane): 7.7 %

Dicalcium Phosphote: 1 %

Vitamine Premix: 0.5 %

Mineral Premix: 0.5 %

Salt (NaCl): 0.3

Conclusion

To get a healthy and profitable goat farm, you are able to create the goat feed formula. This article should be helpful for the right goat feed formulation. Thank you.