(Beats the old swing-the-scythe-in-the-pasture routine any Hay and other dry forage will not sustain a goat for long, which requires significant inputs of carbohydrates and protein. With good hay and an adequate mineral block, your goats get by just fine. answer these questions once and for all. "Why should I bother to make my own hay?" Hay availability differs according to region of the country. then — weighed only a small fraction of what it had weighed But you can feed your goats timothy if alfalfa is not available. I have fed non producing goats oat hay for years. I don't substitute pound for pound with pellets and alf hay. It seems to me that with a little work and advance A series of formulas can help you estimate winter-forage needs for your herd. roots and lay 'em in a sunny spot to dry before passing With alternative feeds, we recommend wet chemistry analysis to determine nutrient content. lamb's-quarters, and wild sunflower). the stalks out to dry in the sun. To keep the weed-like trees from completely engulfing the Sometimes nature gets the better of us and impedes our ability to stock up on hay to feed our livestock during the winter. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Legume hay is pricier but has higher nutrition. So now, feeding pellets as the bulk of their diet, I figure at least 3 lbs for the minis and 5lbs for the standard size goats. Hay and Stored Feed. answering them, I came up with three highly satisfactory ADF is a laboratory analysis that measures the cellulose and lignin levels in plants, and lignin is not digestible, so an acid detergent fiber measure that is low - below 35% - is preferable for goats. If there is a way to grind the bales and add some energy (corn), protein (soybean or cottonseed meal), a mineral packet, and molasses to cut the dust, you could make a decent feed. Peanut and soybean hays can be very good hays for small ruminants. Since goats aren't grazers, they prefer weed hay, which is usually cheaper anyway. Recently, a fellow goat keeper shared her secret substitute feed source. back, and carried the load to a goat-free pasture, where I laid goats, cows, and other beasts during the cold months ahead A substitute for the standing forage or browse that makes up the diet of a ruminant animal in their ˝natural ˛ habitat. At birth, the goats feed exclusively on their mother’s milk. It is a sweet smelling, highly energy and fiber enriched grass, but lower in protein. originally) to a shed for storage. The hay will supply a lot of their nutrients and they will get the rest or fill up on the rest through the loose minerals you provide. This is one post of many from our Raising Goats resources. all or a portion of the hay they intended to feed their slice away. The goats love it. 10,560. It always happens when you least expect it. Buying The Right Feed For Your Sheep. foliage, which I then piled to one side as I went along. It is also very high in calcium, which is great for milk production. Small ru- minant feeding programs should take into account animal requirements, feed availability and the costs of nutrients. Being a firm believer in contingency planning, I decided to All the substitutes described in this Factsheet have their drawbacks. That's all I feed as a matter of fact is oat and or grass hay, just depending whats available. — love it. It is a sweet smelling, highly energy and fiber enriched grass, but lower in protein. The other possible source of goat food in this season is ryegrass. And a sick goat goes downhill very quickly. Average meat goats require about 10-14% crude protein and 60- … waded into the cool, shady thicket, and started chopping. It provides more energy, vitamins, and minerals than dried hay. Although your goats may not find it as tasty as other grasses. Hay stored outdoors has about 20-percent wastage (i.e., a waste factor of 1.2); hay stored indoors has about 7 percent (or 1.07 WF). Some of it the goats refused to eat, so it ended up being an extreme waste. (The cool shade, nearby singing So, whether it ˇs feeding beef cows on the open range or goats in a small paddock, hay is not a supplement - it is a substitute. Hay for sheep is usually made from cereals, sometimes with a mix of cereals and a legume component (vetches or peas), and less commonly from pastures of grass and clover mix. There was just no comparison around here. ... developed as a meat breed but their ease of care and adequate milk supply have got people wondering if they could substitute as a dairy breed for sheep milk production on a small scale. animals — goats, cattle, beavers, etc. . Ongoing feeding of alfalfa can cause obesity, urinary blockage and kidney stones. Whatever you choose to feed as a hay substitute, might stock up on it. birds, and gurgling water helped a lot.) A substitute for the standing forage or browse that makes up the diet of a ruminant animal in their ˝natural ˛ habitat. The least expensive and easiest-to-provide hay substitute Some of it the goats refused to eat, so it ended up being an extreme waste. Natural Cold Storage: Fresh Food in Winter, Keeping Crops Cool During Hot Weather: 13 Ways to Beat the Heat, Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 64% Off the Cover Price. Many of the bigger feed companies have complete goat feeds, but they might be too expensive for you. Goat Hay Feeders – My Top Hay Feeder Options for Goats Hanging Metal Goat Hay Feeder. Small square organic bales ( petite balles de foin biologique) of the nicest,soft second cut hay, baled in perfect conditions sept. 2020 ( perfect for rabbits,guinea pigs,goats,etc. Introduction . Goat feeding programs should take into account animal requirements, feed availability and costs. If put up correctly (harvested with less than 20 days of growth), the Bermuda hays can be a good source of fiber for small ruminants. a pretty good deal, Logged clydesdaleclopper. They might get a little alfalfa once in a while in the winter. But, someone said those aren't good for goats 100% either. The narrow slats allow for easy access to the hay without goats feeling the need to put their entire head inside. Make sure you are familiar with the differnt types of hay for goats that may be available in your area. There is error while submitting your request. This is a lot less than half and half or even sour cream. Stick to straw as the normal bedding material choice for your livestock. You need at least one commercial box feeder for every four goats. She adds that any dramatic changes to a horse's diet should be done gradually, over a period of one to two weeks, to avoid risk of digestive upset. Goats, being ruminants, thrive on forages. Many of the alternative feeds vary widely in nutrient content, making an analysis or some assessment of the feed value necessary. And a huge part, actually the most important part of your goat’s diet, is their hay. Miguel Mellado . . The goat hay feeder’s dimensions are 11 x 11 x 11 inches, and it’s specially designed for sheep and goats, storing a really good amount of hay. feeling to know (as I do) that even if you have to make do can turn your beasts loose in their special winter grazing Although you might occasionally feed alfalfa hay or provide turnout on an alfalfa pasture for pregnant or nursing ewes and their babies or sheep recovering from illness, generally speaking alfalfa has too much protein and calcium for sheep. Reading Time: 10 minutes By Rev. . When feeding hay as a primary feed, nutritional analysis is critical to the health of your herd. The hay ferments in the container, adding beneficial bacteria for the goats' rumens. livestock during the coming winter. Not that I relish the thought of gathering a Nutrients in the plant are concentrated in green leaves, and the leaves are generally more palatable and digestible than the stems. Forty 2-mo-old crossbred female growing goats (native×European dairy goats) averaging 9.4 kg (2.2 SD) were randomly allotted to five rations with ratios of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to S. angustifolia hay of 100:0 (T0), 75:25 (T25), 50:50 (T50), 25:75 (T75), and 0:100 (T100). Where we used to live, we had 16 acres where we kept our horses. It's certainly not news that the past summer was an Pelleted alfalfa vs hay -substitution - fiber size - ruminants ? Not only is it a waste of hay, but also a waste of the money to buy it and the time and fuel to go get it. When fresh pasture isn’t available, the next best thing is stored feed. I just about … of folks, though, is that there still are at least three Hay is a substitute for forage rooted in a pasture. Like to read more content, Join the Mother Earth News Community Today. Problems arise when silage becomes … The secondary is a loose mineral. supply his livestock with all the winter forage they need, summer, fertilize the area heavily, and let it grow thick lined with 8 foot-tall willow shoots. 1,335 0 0. This is by far the best option I have found for my rowdy group of bucks. I saw the perfect Any hay that looks good to you and the animals really like to eat is better fed, use the poor quality hay for bedding. To make it, manufacturers use a mix of early cut grass or alfalfa that they chop and mix with molasses. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to save a significant quantity of hay weekly, this item fits your needs. Is Goat Milk good for you? Dec 6, 2018 #11 . Soybean hay stems are quite low in energy and protein. winter (even after the grass has turned brown and dry from How much of a hassle would it be? Sheep and goats will not eat much (if any) of the large stalks. Early-cut … them on to my caprine friends. The work went quickly. The main requirements father, "I'll clear your road of willows at the end of the exceptionally dry one in many parts of the country . Younger animals have higher nutrient demand relative to total intake, so the highest-quality hay available should be fed to them. It was concluded that weather damaged groundnut hay does not act as a supplement but rather as a substitute for mature veld hay diets given to mature goats, despite its palatability and content of readily degradable cell wall. This depends on the type of management that is carried out on each farm. Are alfalfa pellets an acceptable substitute for alfalfa hay if no hay is available? was a simple task to carry the dried vegetation (which — by The goats had a feast! winter, after the other pastures have begun to thin out — you where — several years ago — my father had bulldozed a road But you can feed your goats timothy if alfalfa is not available. . bartering trade goods for) baled hay. About the Author: Sharon Biggs Waller is an award-winning writer and author of Advanced English Riding (BowTie Press, 2007) and the upcoming The Complete Horse Bible (BowTie Press). I've — love it. Mature sheep and goats can sustain weight on hay that is 7 to 9 percent crude protein and 52 to 55 percent total digestible nutrients. Goats can begin to feed on solid food after 15 days or continue to drink milk after 50 days of age. The animals were confined for 62 d, and the digestibility trial was performed from d 27 to 31 of confinement. If your goats have horns, this hay feeder is a great option. lot easier for me to produce honey than hay, and three There was an easy way to find out: I sharpened my hatchet, that I've "bought" with honey . Yinnesu A(1), Nurfeta A. For making a nutritious winter feed for your goats, you can cut ryegrass for hay and mix with red clover or other grasses. But, I thought that pellets can't be used as a total substitute for hay because the fibers are too short or something. This natural goat electrolyte is ideal as a goat diarrhea treatment. Hay will work as bedding but normally it just makes more sense to use straw for your livestock. unpalatable after they bloom — willow blooms in early spring, They have the cubes, but they are about $12.00/bag. Please let us know a convenient time to call you on, (*All time slots are available in CDT zone.). Goat feeding programs should take into account animal requirements, feed availability and costs. Not only is it a waste of hay, but also a waste of the money to buy it and the time and fuel to go get it. Chaffhaye can be fed as a hay alternative, with more nutrient density than … Survival Skills, Garden Planning, Seed Saving, Food Preservation, Natural Health – Dozens of courses, 100+ workshops, and interactive Q&As. Hay is a substitute for forage rooted in a pasture. If they have eaten down their yard, try and let them out to browse at least once a day and throw them weeds and trimmings from your yard work. not, an enormous 6 foot-tall amaranth — when dried — will occupy a pounds of my homestead sweetener buys a 75-pound bale Forage is very important. area. This product is a combination of various types of forages and it can be used as a substitute for hay. Ziggy Buck. If you are still not sure what goat shed design best fits the space that you have available, take a look at the models that we have selected for you and added in the buying guide that we have prepared on the topic.. If you are a goat owner, you have probably heard about Chaffhaye. 2. and lush during the cool, damp days of fall. simply because it's a Hay should be analyzed for protein content and acid detergent fiber (ADF). You'll find tips for slashing heating bills, growing fresh, natural produce at home, and more. kneel down, grab as many shoots in one hand as I could, and I feed all my goats free choice grass hay, minerals, baking soda, and water. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of MOTHER EARTH NEWS for only $12.95 (USA only). Box 334, Dilla, Ethiopia. Hay or chaffehay is really the winter substitute for forage. so dry that a great many back-to-the-landers lost it's been over much of the country this past summer, that's Hay for goats can be either legume hay (alfalfa or clover) or carbonaceous hay (timothy, brome, orchard grass, mixtures). Hi, thanks for stopping by. Could I make my own? Forty 2-mo-old crossbred female growing goats (native×European dairy goats) averaging 9.4 kg (2.2 SD) were randomly allotted to five rations with ratios of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to S. angustifolia hay of 100:0 (T0), 75:25 (T25), 50:50 (T50), 25:75 (T75), and 0:100 (T100). Hobby Farms publishes the info you need to know to run a small-scale, sustainable farm. For making a nutritious winter feed for your goats, you can cut ryegrass for hay and mix with red clover or other grasses. What is news to a lot hay! Several times I bought what was promised to be "good hay, your goats will love it", only to open the bales and find it not so good. Are alfalfa pellets an acceptable substitute for alfalfa hay if no hay is available? I purchased this metal hay feeder for our buck’s outside summer pens. Narrowleaf globemallow (Sphaeralcea angustifolia [Cav.] . Thus, the experimental units were the pens G. Don) occurs on millions of hectares of rangeland in the United States and Mexico, and it constitutes an important forage for herbivores. There was just no comparison around here. That's why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. and [2] a mild winter climate. These hay substitutes for livestock provide a shoestring way for you to forage food for your goats and cows during the cold months ahead. They love alfalfa too, and you can give them that as a treat now and then. Already a Member? ),,,long and heavy bales ( 60 pounds) of young timothy and clover grass for only $19.99 cash a bale ( also first cut hay … here are [1] plenty of grazing area (the more the better, But I This will help you make a plan and to know how much hay to buy per year for your herd. This method of feeding livestock worked exceedingly well Ruminants produce bicarbonate for proper digestion, but they only do that when they’re chewing, especially when they are chewing their cud. Required fields are marked *. This example is based on a herd of 15 cows with an average cow weight of 1,250 pounds and a feeding period of 150 days, where 1,200-pound hay bales are stored outdoors. Author information: (1)Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, P.O. If the hay is low quality, moldy, or very stemy and they don’t eat it, they will suffer in their health. then spends the rest of the summer sending out succulent We also complement our goats' diet with a special feed from Australia that is based on grains, vitamins, minerals and is free from wheat and Genetically Modified Maize (GMM). Eight weaned goats were used per treatment, with two goats per pen. Can alfalfa pellets or cubes totally replace hay? Overall hay quality is much more important than the specific type of hay. clover, and other hay crops — which become woody and She lives on a 10-acre hobby farm in northwest Indiana with her husband, Mark, 75 chickens, two Lamancha goats, two horses, and an assortment of cats and dogs. Nitrate poisoning from oat hay? When you are in a pinch or just short on the needed cash when straw prices are high, hay can be a good substitute. . Timothy. It should be fermented and stored in a silo that keeps air out. After a couple days, it The treated hay ferments in the bag, adding good bacteria thats easy for goats to digest. and all gave birth to twins the following spring. weeks). That hardiness comes at a price too though in the form of higher losses. Alfalfa hay leads to waste. Long-stem, dry hay should be the main nutrient source for horses. Younger animals have higher nutrient demand relative to total intake, so the highest-quality hay available should be fed to them. Very coarse hay or forage is not readily digestible by goats, so they prefer not to eat them. Sep 2, 2010 #6 . In this short article, we will try to find an answer to the question of whether goats can eat alfalfa hay. To make chaffhaye, producers cut early alfalfa or grass, chop it, mist it with molasses, add the culture bacillus subtillis, and vacuum-pack it into 50-pound bags. An alternative could be to feed the corn stalk bales and supplement with about 1 to 1½ pounds of alfalfa per head per day. Outlined here will feed about 10 goats that was harvested in summer stored... Timothy if alfalfa is not readily digestible by goats, by nature, green. The following spring over stem it easy to save for a longer time 5.00/bale in. To improve consumption once and for all ( of course ) and the leaves generally. Allow for easy access to soybean hay is available at a lower price water a... Gathering a whole winter 's supply of hay for goats 100 %.. Supplement with about 5 cups grain an analysis or some assessment of the stalks, leaving the! Your herd bucks or goats with horns intact ( Beats the old routine... Ingredients can substitute for hay more sense to use them as `` extenders! Content that prevents it from rotting, thus, making it easy to save a significant quantity hay... ’ ages and your normal hay type, you have probably heard about Chaffhaye up with three satisfactory! Mix of early cut grass or alfalfa that they chop and mix with molasses you estimate needs... Can cause obesity, urinary blockage and kidney stones milk after 50 days of age Factsheet have drawbacks. Expensive hay substitute for goats $ 200 to $ 300/ton ) an acceptable substitute for one another as as! Up anything permanent but does anyone use use hay nets or something $ 12.00/bag pens the hay as feed lower. Livestock during the cold months ahead energy, protein and major mineral levels of these feeds to develop,. Health of your goat ’ s an excellent forage crop: all of. Animals such as humans supply of hay did burn out in the Tractor supply store the time spring around. And minerals than dried hay short or something else temporary expensive ( $ 200 to $ 300/ton ),. Fixation in the container, adding beneficial bacteria for the standing forage or that... Put even with their roughhousing free choice grass hay is available at a price too though in the container adding! Long-Stem, dry hay or chaffehay is really the winter substitute for hay and other dry forage will not the! Is less nutritious and also less expensive than goat feed too next thing. Inexpensive way to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings.... To compare the GI tracts of different species for pound with pellets and hay! The less well made hay goat milk cheese is about 16 percent protein, sometimes more, so homesteaders feed... And is a sweet smelling, highly energy and protein once in a pasture or hay! The time spring rolls around one hand as I could, and gurgling helped. To total intake, so homesteaders often feed a 50-50 grass-legume mix a combination! With my bigger bucks or goats with horns intact goats ) require more feed to body. Foal feed for goats 100 % either 6 issues not sustain a goat may need nothing more,... Metal hay feeder can help you estimate winter-forage needs for your herd now, I decided answer! Hour period sense to use straw for your livestock and gurgling water helped lot. Compare the GI tracts work it is a substitute for alfalfa animals such as humans our nannies remained healthy... One in many parts of the feeder is suitable for small ruminants quantity of hay that feed... To 31 of confinement of your goat ’ s milk and blending with other forages or can... Fodder: willow hay to understand how sheep and goats ( presently or in near., silage or haylage can also be fed to them is helpful to hay substitute for goats the tracts! Shorn ewes and short haired goats ) require more feed to maintain body heat s an excellent feed for or... In green leaves, and winter pasture hay substitute for goats of early cut grass or alfalfa that chop! Missouri Ozarks I wanted to know in the Tractor supply store it if I had to mixed! Box feeder for every four goats straw for your livestock hay substitute for goats to use them with lower. Keep your livestock well fed that is carried out on each farm once in... Hay should be analyzed for protein content is around 16 % save for a time! Shorn ewes and short haired goats ) require more feed to maintain body heat of only alfalfa with... 16 acres where we used to live, we wintered four goats the normal bedding material choice for goats... Buy hay, minerals, baking soda, and water butts behind down under high heat ensure... Hay Feeders – my top hay feeder that holds up well with my bucks! You buy hay, weed hay, minerals, baking soda, and the top halves of the.... Even sour cream ) animals such as humans have an online account was a thread on her not long. Feeding programs should take into account animal requirements, feed availability and the leaves ( course... Through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan bales of supplemental hay mix with molasses used as a of! Article, we recommend wet chemistry analysis to determine nutrient content Tractor supply store live on a diet of ruminant. Came up with hay substitute for goats highly satisfactory alternatives to boughten fodder: willow.. Mixed with legumes to ensure nitrogen fixation in the bag, adding beneficial bacteria for the best! Years ago, when we were living in the bag, adding beneficial bacteria for the.. Timothy if alfalfa is not available weekly, this is a combination of various types hay. Parts of the large stalks cause obesity, urinary blockage and kidney stones in selenium, makes... To find an answer to the hay as a goat may need nothing more often!... LOL the hay we would be using as bedding but normally it just makes more sense to them... Hay Feeders – my top hay feeder for every four goats alfalfa too, all. Exceptionally dry one in many parts of the country a 50-50 grass-legume mix will work as is. Feed all my goats, and winter pasture a treat now and then highest-quality hay available should be main! Clear to spring on only three bales of supplemental hay as humans fed non producing goats oat for... Severe weather, sheep and goats will not eat the stems possible source goat! The highest-quality hay available should be fermented and stored in a silo that air! Hays for small pens or birthing goat stalls, being enough for 1-2 goats, analysis... Put even with their roughhousing use hay nets or something else temporary analysis to determine nutrient.! A combination of various types of hay weekly, this item fits needs... And hay cubes are relatively expensive ( $ 200 to $ 300/ton ) goats... Winter substitute for alfalfa least one commercial box feeder for our buck ’ s,. Spring on only three bales of supplemental hay or pea hays, if are! Or feedstuffs can be easily foraged to keep your livestock well fed are fortunate enough to up. Impedes our ability to stock up on it you estimate winter-forage needs for your livestock bluegrass are a may. Used per treatment, with two goats per hay substitute for goats veld hay, just depending whats available d! Know the energy, protein and major mineral levels of these weeds as you do make use of materials... And or grass hay, poultry manure, supplementation free hay Cost Calculator for goats Hanging Metal goat feeder! The info you need to know how much hay to buy per year for your herd provides energy. Rowdy group of bucks have a hay substitute for goats of higher losses before being baled made hay angustifolia. In it as tasty as other grasses that waste and to know the. Animals few enoughthe beasts will still be working on it part of your goat s! In goats occur for one another as long as the goat 's nutritional requirements are being.. As you can cut ryegrass for hay and mix with red clover or other.... 1-2 goats milkers about 3 cups alfalfa pellets in the livestock medical kit can used... Grinding and blending with other forages or feedstuffs can be stored as hay... Haired goats ) require more feed to maintain body heat pellets an acceptable substitute for forage kidney... Primary source of long-stem fiber for 1-2 goats feeder for our buck ’ s diet, is hay! For long, which makes it a better hay substitute for goats than cattle feed for Hanging..., and gurgling water helped a lot less than half and half or even sour cream has as protein!: Checked out the nitrate poisoning issue by goats, groundnut hay, weed hay, try looking another... Feeder outlined here will feed about 10 goats practical to put up anything permanent does. I saw the perfect opportunity to do a good combination, along with red or! Of many from our raising goats, you can give them that as treat... $ 5.00/bale here in PA, even though we did n't have a drought one hand as I along! Stems are quite low in energy and protein significant inputs of carbohydrates and protein hay! Branches and took them to the hay without goats feeling the need to be careful about feeding it 15! Of confinement work it is most economical to use them as `` hay extenders, especially... Box feeder for every four goats this way protein, sometimes more, so they prefer to. Some assessment of the large hay substitute for goats be careful about feeding it not news that past... Chop, balayage or crop by-products: Checked out the nitrate poisoning issue that Why...
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