There is no one definitive answer to this question as there are many factors to consider, including the type of goats you are raising, your climate and available resources, and your personal preferences. However, some general tips on how to cheaply feed goats include:
-Choosing less expensive feeds like hay, pasture, or browse instead of grain or pellets.
-Growing your own fodder or crops to feed to your goats.
-Bartering with other goat owners for feed.
-Making use of kitchen scraps or other food waste that can be fed to goats.
Assuming you are wanting to know the cheapest way to feed goats on a commercial scale, the two main options for feed are hay and pellets. Hay is generally the cheaper option as it is a byproduct of agriculture and does not require extra processing. Pellets are more expensive as they go through an extrusion process that breaks down the plant matter so that it is more easily digestible for livestock.
The price difference between hay and pellets can vary depending on your location, but typically hay is around $10 per ton while pellets are $30 per ton.
What Not to Feed Goats
Goats are browsers, not grazers like cows. They need to eat a diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar. You should never feed goats candy, chocolate, or other sweet treats.
This can cause them to become sick and even die.
There are many plants that are poisonous to goats. Some of these include: azaleas, rhododendrons, oleander, yew, foxglove, and larkspur.
If you have any of these plants on your property, make sure your goats cannot reach them.
It is also important to avoid feeding your goats moldy hay or other spoiled food. This can cause them to develop health problems such as respiratory infections or digestive issues.
Always check your goat’s food for signs of spoilage before giving it to them.
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What Should I Feed My Goats Daily?
Assuming you have healthy adult goats:
Goats are browsers, not grazers like cows. They prefer to eat leaves, twigs, and other vegetation high off the ground.
In the wild, they spend most of their time searching for food. If you keep your goats penned, they will need a steady supply of fresh browse to prevent boredom and health problems. You can supplement their diet with hay or pasture grasses if necessary.
A good rule of thumb is to provide 1-2% of your goat’s body weight in dry hay or browse per day. For example, a 50 lb (23 kg) goat would need 1-2 lbs (0.5-1 kg) of hay per day. Keep in mind that goats are very efficient at converting plants into energy and nutrients, so they don’t require as much food as you might think.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, so it’s important not to overdo it.
In addition to hay or browse, you should also offer your goats a small amount of grain each day. This can be commercial goat feed or a mixture of oats, barley, and wheat germ.
Goats also like salt and minerals, so make sure to provide them with a loose mineral block that they can access at all times.
What Do You Feed Goats When Hay is Not Available?
When hay is not available, you can feed goats grazeable weeds, forbs, and browse. You can also supplement their diet with grain, pellets, or hay cubes.
What’S the Best Thing to Feed Goats?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best thing to feed goats depends on a number of factors, including the age and health of the goat, what other food sources are available, and the climate. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you choose the best food for your goats.
One of the most important things to remember is that goats are browsers, not grazers like cows.
This means that they prefer to eat leaves, twigs, and other browse rather than grass. Goats will also eat grass if it’s available, but you should make sure that there is plenty of browse for them to munch on as well. In addition to browse, goats also need a source of hay or fresh green pasture for roughage in their diet.
Another important consideration when choosing goat feed is whether or not it contains copper. Copper is an essential mineral for goats, but many commercial feeds do not contain enough copper for goats’ needs. Make sure to check the labels on any feed you purchase or talk to your veterinarian about which brands contain adequate levels of copper.
Finally, keep in mind that what works well for one herd of goats may not work for another. Every goat has different nutritional needs, so it’s important to pay attention to how your animals look and feel after eating certain foods.
Can You Feed Goats Just Hay?
Yes, goats can feed on hay as their primary source of nutrition. Goats are browsers, which means they prefer to eat leaves and other vegetation off of plants and trees. Hay is a good source of fiber for goats, and it can help them stay healthy and maintain a proper digestive system.
Hay also provides goats with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Cheap Way To Feed Your Goats, Sheep & Cows | Learn How To Prepare Your Feed
Conclusion
The cheapest way to feed goats is to grow your own food. Goats are browsers and prefer to eat leaves, twigs, and other vegetation. They will also eat grass, but it is not their preferred diet.
If you have access to a pasture, you can let the goats graze. If you do not have access to a pasture, you can grow hay or alfalfa for the goats. You can also supplement the goats’ diet with grain or pellets.