Compound feed for goats: composition and do-it-yourself cooking rules, storage

Today there are several types of feed for goats. Each of them has certain features. In order for animals to feel normal and not get sick, it is important for them to choose the right diet. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the age and body weight of the pet. With the help of a well-chosen diet, it is possible to achieve high milk production and keep animals fat.

Types and composition of compound feed

Small ruminants do not require complete feeds. Compound feed is used only as an additional source of energy. The main components of such nutrition for dairy goats include the following:

grain mix - 71% should be products such as corn, bran, barley, oats, wheat;
protein substances - 25% are oilseed meal and cake;
vitamins and minerals - 4% premix, chalk, s alt, phosphate.

The composition of feed depends on the physiological group to which the animals belong. These can be kids, breeders, pregnant and lactating females.

Depending on the form of release and purpose, the following types of compound feed are distinguished:

Complete - include all the important substances for the daily nutrition of animals. No supplemental foods, vitamins or minerals are required with these formulas.
Concentrates - are bioadditives to the goat's diet. Their nutritional parameters are no more than 40% per day. These types of food contain many nutrients, so you should not use them in large quantities.
Balancing - they are also called super concentrates. Such substances are combined with feed in a ratio of 20:80. The composition contains vitamins, high-protein ingredients and other important substances.

Premixes are often included in different types of compound feed. These are special ready-made formulations that include many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other biologically active components. These include growth promoters. They improve the appetite of goats and make the feed easier to digest.

There are medical premixes that help develop immunity to infections, but their amount in the diet should not exceed 5%.

Cooking by hand

For feeding goats, you can use ready-made formulations. However, it is better to cook them yourself. It is important to bear in mind that in general, the use of cereals is not recommended. Corn and wheat should be crushed, and barley and oats should be flattened.Processed grain mixtures are better digested. In this case, the particle size should be 2-4 millimeters.

When making feed, the components should be connected in series. First, it is recommended to mix ground cereals of different types. Then add cake or meal. In a separate bowl, alternately combine flour, a little s alt and chalk. Then add premix. Then mix grains and minerals.

How to make a diet?

Goat nutrition and the amount of feed in her diet depend on the seasonal factor. In spring, coarse food should be mixed with fresh grass. This has a positive effect on the work of the stomach. In summer, the amount of succulent feed should be increased to 70%.

From August, it is recommended to gradually transfer the goat to food with a large amount of compound feed. If she refuses such food, mint, apples, mountain ash will help improve the taste.

In late autumn and winter, compound feed can serve as the main food. At the same time, animals should be fed according to the schedule. For the first time, you can give food at 6 o'clock, the second - at 12, the third - at 19. In the evening, it is recommended to use foods that are easily digested. Animals should be fed at least three times a day. After each feeding, the goat must be given 2.5 liters of liquid. However, it is best to keep water available at all times. Its optimum temperature is +7 degrees.

Compound feed must be used during pregnancy and milking. By introducing foods high in protein into the diet, it is possible to increase the quantity and quality of milk. During lactation, it is important to choose a balanced diet. It must contain vitamins and minerals. It should be borne in mind that good lactation depends on a large amount of liquid.

One animal will need 1-4 kilograms of roughage per day. For a dairy goat, the amount is calculated differently. She needs to be given 300 grams of compound feed and additionally add 250 grams of such food for every liter of milk.

It is strictly forbidden to steam feed, as this will lead to the destruction of vitamins. It is recommended to mix it with water at room temperature and leave for half an hour. After eating, the goat needs to be given enough water.

What is the danger of excess feed

Feed shortage is considered a less dangerous mistake than its excess. When goats consume a large amount of concentrates, this causes various disturbances in the body. When eating excess food during pregnancy, the likelihood of obesity is high. This can create difficulties with delivery. After childbirth, there are often problems with conception. An obese goat will not be able to cover itself.

If the total diet contains more than 45% of compound feed, while branches and hay make up less than 55%, there is a risk of chewing gum disappearing. In this case, the food is poorly absorbed, there is a risk of alternating diarrhea and constipation. This causes rumen acidosis as beneficial microflora is killed.

Also, an excess of compound feed leads to an overflow of the rumen. As a result, fermentation and rotting of the fodder mass are observed, gases appear. As the body fills up, there is pressure on the diaphragm, heart, and lungs. Sometimes there is a rupture of the scar.

Storage Features

Mixed feed should be stored in a clean and well ventilated place. It must be darkened and disinfected. In this case, the humidity parameters should be no more than 75%. Granulated food can be stored for up to 6 months. The shelf life of briquettes and bulk is 1-3 months.

Can goats be fed pig feed

Feed fats are present in pig feed. It can lead to rapid weight gain.If stored for a long time, such food can provoke poisoning. Therefore, it is not recommended to give it to goats. Today, there are several types of compound feed that can be given to goats. Properly selected composition helps to make the animal he althier, increase its productivity and strengthen immunity.