What Amount of Feed should I Feed my Nigerian Dwarves?

[Addicted To Goats]

Hello!
I was wondering how much feed my goats need on a daily basis. I have two four-year old does, one who is pregnant. I also have one 9-month old wether, and a two and a half year old buck. So far I have been free-feeding them the 15% All Purpose MFM Sheep and Goat feed. Here is the link:

https://martindalefeed.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/MFM-15-All-Purpose-Sheep-and-Goat-Pellet.pdf

I was also wondering what type and how much hay they should be eating as well.

Do they also need supplements or/and minerals? If so, what kind?

 

[Finnie]

Hello!
I was wondering how much feed my goats need on a daily basis. I have two four-year old does, one who is pregnant. I also have one 9-month old wether, and a two and a half year old buck. So far I have been free-feeding them the 15% All Purpose MFM Sheep and Goat feed. Here is the link:

https://martindalefeed.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/MFM-15-All-Purpose-Sheep-and-Goat-Pellet.pdf

I was also wondering what type and how much hay they should be eating as well.

Do they also need supplements or/and minerals? If so, what kind?

Hi, I’m not a goat owner, so I don’t know the answers for sure, but I think it’s the hay that you are supposed to be free feeding, and grain is only a small measured amount per day. I think most of the goat people here say goats don’t need much grain unless they are lactating and need to keep their weight up. But hopefully they will read this soon and correct me.

They do need supplements. Those depend on the soil content in your area. I think everywhere needs copper and some locations are deficient in selenium. I have read that goats need loose minerals, not a solid mineral block.

If you edit your profile to put your state or area of the country you live in, people can sometimes give you info that pertains to your specific region.

Welcome to

 

[rachels.haven]

Don't free feed grain unless you're trying to grain finish them for eating very soon. Too much grain sours their stomach, founders them, and/or makes them fat. They need free choice soft hay, as much as they can eat, preferably second cutting or later. Maybe a handful of grain each. Maybe. Quarter to half a cup to non milkers at max unless their body condition needs it.

People like sweetlix meat maker or premier1's gold mineral premix for goats (mix the latter with a bag of plain feeding salt) as far as minerals go.

These are not dogs or cats. They eat leaves. Feed them hay.

As a side note, if the does are in with the buck and he can do his job they are likely all pregnant.

 

[Addicted To Goats]

Thank you for the replies, and I apologize for my late reply.

What type of hay should they be eating?
I researched a bit, and the recommended hay was alfalfa for pregnant and lactating does, and grass hay for dry does and wethers. Would it be okay to mix these together and feed it to all of them?

 

[rachels.haven]

My goats will sort out all the alfalfa and waste the grass no matter how nice, so you'd have to find out if yours will eat it mixed. Feeding one kind in the morning and one kind at night would have a similar effect. Or feeding grass hay and a pre measured amount of alfalfa pellets would have the same effect. Or using a different feeder for each so sorting will not be an issue.