How much hay does a goat need for the winter: calculation of the norm for the day and year, storage rules

In order to calculate how much hay and other nutrients are needed for harvesting a goat for the winter, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the animal's nutrition and its needs. Goats are easy-to-care animals, and stocking food for them is not difficult. The basis of the diet of these pets is dried by a farmer or purchased hay.

How much hay does a goat need

Goat breeding is a popular livestock industry. These pets become an indispensable part of the economy in temperate climates if simple rules of care and feeding are followed.

Daily Value

For the production of nutritious and full-fat milk and the well-being of the animal per day, goats need:

• 4 kilograms - milking individuals;
• 6 kilograms - goat;
• 2 kilos for a kid.

Hay volume can be diluted with chew additives, vitamins or cereals.

For the winter period

For the proper nutrition of one individual, from 400 to 600 kilograms of hay preparations for the winter period are required. The number of stocks depends on the weight of the animal, sex and the duration of the cold period.

Important! On average, one goat eats 120 kilograms of hay per month (4 kilograms for 30 days). However, when calculating the required stock, it is best to add an extra 100 kilograms on top.

Annual rate

Good animal care and a balanced diet of domestic goats is fully paid off by the milk received. Proper nutrition protects animals from the risks of indigestion and contributes to the harmonious development of young animals. During the summer months, the goats are grazing and make up for their need for grass while walking. During this period, the enrichment of the diet is aimed at juicy supplements, vegetables and fruits. The total amount of food consumed per goat, on average, is about 1.5 tons.

Important! It has been observed that when vitamin E is added to goat food, the resulting milk becomes softer. Loss of bitterness and sour taste.

How to make your own hay

If the livestock breeder decides to mow and dry hay for winter harvesting on his own, you should pay attention to a few rules:

• wild flowers must be mowed before flowering begins;
• cereal crops are cut during heading;
• beans - at the beginning of bud opening;
• Mow on warm days after the dew has dried.

Experienced breeders prefer to store their own hay, as this process encourages careful selection of the ingredients of the animal's diet during the winter.

Storage rules

Like other organic harvests, if stored improperly, hay can rot, rot and eventually become unsuitable for goats.

In winter, food supplies are especially important due to the difficulty of regenerating spoiled food.

The basic rules for hay storage include:

1. Dry thoroughly.
2. Tedding compacted areas during drying.
3. Prevent drying out.
4. The presence of a spacious hayloft.
5. Protection from moisture (rain, snow, damp earth).
6. Full natural ventilation.
7. Rise above the ground (wooden logs).

Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to secure harvesting until the next season.

Alternative winter foods and dietary supplements

Goat nutrition affects not only the general condition of the animal, but also the quality and taste of the resulting milk. In order for the animals to receive the entire set of vitamins and microelements, as well as to strengthen the chewing apparatus, the goat breeder needs to prepare:

• young branches of trees and shrubs (raspberry, apple, willow, pear, beech, maple, birch, oak, linden);
• willow bark;
• spruce branches;
• dry foliage;
• cereals (oats, barley, corn, wheat);
• vegetables, root crops (fodder beets, carrots, fresh potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini) - no more than 3 kilograms (for an animal weighing 50 kilograms) per day;
• field herbs (chamomile);
• straw (barley, oat);
• vitamin supplements (check with your veterinarian).

Important! Despite the usefulness of cereals, an excess of this product can lead to a rapid increase in animal weight and a decrease in milk production.

What not to feed

Goats are not the most demanding animals to care for, but not all plants are suitable for them.

You can’t take into blanks:

• celandine;
• dope;
• red clover;
• nightshade;
• ledum;
• milestone;
• lily of the valley;
• hemlock;
• parsnip;
• hogweed;
• lupine;
• ferns;
• hellebore;
• bodyak;
• bristle;
• feather grass (tyrsa);
• trailer;
• sprouted potatoes;
• cake of flax, mustard, rapeseed, camelina, colza, hemp.

You need to be careful when choosing plants for goat food. Otherwise, poisonous plants cause gastrointestinal upset or death of the animal.

Important! The disruption of the digestive system of goats is also caused by chaff and husks of cereals, sawdust or sand that enter the animal enclosure if sanitary conditions are not observed.

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