Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
seeds, and soybeans. It might contain soybean or linseed oils as added fat sources. It might
contain dried vegetable matter, such as tomatoes, kale, carrots, turnips, beets, and parsnips.
Grain ration for goats can be obtained by the bag at a feed store. When you buy it premixed,
you are assured that your goats are getting the necessary nutrients, premeasured in the best
proportions. You will find that your goats are fond of their grain ration. Feeding too much of
it is detrimental to their health, but they might not agree with you. You usually can use grain
to lure a goat into a truck, into a stanchion, or anywhere else you need it to go. Grain must be
stored securely where the goats cannot access it.
Important vitamins
If your goats are being fed a combination of forage and grain ration, they probably are getting
the vitamins they need. Sometimes lactating or pregnant animals need more, especially if they
are stall-fed and do not have the opportunity to consume a wide variety of plants through for-
aging.
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Vitamins C, K, and the B:
These vitamins are all manufactured within the goat's body
and do not need to be supplemented. Lactating animals may need supplementary vitam-
ins A, D, and E.
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Vitamin A:
Vitamin A helps goats resist various diseases. It is closely associated with re-
productive health; it keeps udder cells healthy and helps the udder resist infection. It also
contributes to eye health. To some extent, a goat manufactures vitamin A itself when it
consumes foods that contain carotene such as carrots, yellow corn, and some green for-
age plants. However, vitamin A deficiency is not uncommon.
Kids deficient in vitamin A are prone to respiratory illnesses, often exhibiting watery eyes and
mucous nasal discharge, coughing, and diarrhea. Because goats as a species are particularly
susceptible to pneumonia, these kids can end up with pneumonia. In adult goats with vitamin
A deficiency, you might observe susceptibility to infections, or night blindness (they will pan-
ic and flee if you approach them in the dark). It is believed that vitamin A deficiency is a
cause of infertility in bucks.
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Vitamin D:
GoatsproducevitaminDwhenexposedtosunlight,asdoothermammals,and
sogoatsneedplentyofsunshinetobehealthy.VitaminDisnecessarytoabsorbessential
minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
