Also remember that the term horse hay is meaningless without a forage analysis report to back it up. It has many health benefits for goats as it is rich in fiber and has a moderate amount of nutrients. In every case, no matter how good your hay is, a supplement will be necessary. One way to keep your pets warm during the winters is to feed them plenty of quality forage, such as alfalfa hay. Goats need to be fed hay that is high in fiber, but also has protein levels that are adequate enough for their age as well as calcium levels they require on a daily basis. Are there any risks associated with feeding alfalfa to male goats? For one, alfalfa commonly contains pesticides and other chemicals that can have negative effects on the animals health. And ranges from like $4 to $7 a bale. It's just fermented alfalfa. The importance of good forage Is alfalfa hay safe? But alfalfa is very rich in calcium, so when fed to male goats, it will react with zinc. (The Risks! There are several factors to consider before feeding alfalfa to your male goat. On top of that, it may be helpful to source your alfalfa from high-quality suppliers or farms that take care to harvest and prepare the feed in a responsible manner. Most options include one or more of the following forms of grain: rolled grain, whole grain or textured grain. It is commonly advised against feeding grains or processed goat feed because it can cause urinary stones. The protein content is relatively low compared with alfalfa pellets. Any goat with mature functional rumen is at risk of bloating. But generally speaking, providing male goats with enough alfalfa to meet this daily requirement will help ensure that they stay healthy and strong. However, hoof trimming is not very challenging. Can Goats Eat Alfalfa Pellets? (The Risks!) - Pet Food Fuss All goat owners out there should know that, because alfalfa is rich in proteins and calcium, it should only be fed to goats in certain situations. There are several different types of ryegrass. In summary, hay quality is much more important in determining suitability for goats rather than type of hay. Furthermore, alfalfa has been shown to support digestive health in male goats by boosting gut function and helping with nutrient absorption. Ideally, it should be made up of small pellets that are grown at a local farm rather than large pieces that have been frozen and shipped from a different location. There's a lot of conflicting information about feeding alfalfa to goats. This is why you should start adding alfalfa to their diet about 6 weeks before they start kidding so that their body gets used to the extra protein. The best part about feeding alfalfa hay to your goats is that its Ca:P ratio is 5 to 1, making it an ideal supplement to go with grains. Depending on how big your goats I would sort of measure it by that. Alfalfa Cubes for Goatsno hay? - BackYard Chickens However, hybrid varieties of bermudagrass must be sprigged rather than seeded. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Come join the discussion about livestock, farming, gardening, DIY projects, hobbies, recipes, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Let me get this rightfor wethers. Alfalfa is one of the few hays that contains enough protein to meet the needs of the lactating doe. Beneficial for the pregnant and lactating female goats. These tests can be performed by the state-run forage lab or through a privately owned lab. Yes, goats can definitely eat alfalfa! It is an ideal fibrous, low-calorie meal which provides a number of essential nutrients for goats. In moderation though alfalfa cubes are great low calorie food source! I'll "shop" around and get a some different stuff for them to try. Additionally, you will also need to take into account your goats individual nutritional needsas well as any health conditions that they may have. Contact your local Cooperative Extension agent or feed store representative for more information on your options. Alfalfa, if fed along with hay, constitutes a perfect balanced diet for your goats. Goats, being ruminants, thrive on forages. Is alfalfa good or not so good for Alpine dairy goats. Larsen Poultry Ranch - homesteading journey, Ridgetop - our place and how we muddle along. Alfalfa isnt just healthy for male goats it comes with a plethora of benefits. Worm larvae are present there. Alfalfa can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upsets that arent dangerous but are irritating to your goats. WE never gave grain. He also gets grass hay. For more information, contact yourlocal SWEETLIXdealeror call1-87-SWEETLIXto speak with a SWEETLIXnutritionist. Orchardgrass is a popular cool-season perennial bunchgrass that is grown mainly in the Midwest, Northeast and Northwest. The palatability of orchardgrass is good and goats readily consume it. Grass hay ranges from 1:1 to 1.5:1. The best practice would be to mix things up a bit. All rights reserved. Can goats eat too much alfalfa hay? It has the ability to replace other sources of general fodder for goats. Alfalfa for goats - Life of farmers But they have pastures to browse in. The excess energy gained from the protein needs to go somewhere and is often simply used to remove the excess protein. Typical fodder can not provide enough energy, so in those circumstances, alfalfa comes in very handy. Begin by feeding them the hay in small amounts, and increase it gradually. In cases of extreme over-feeding of protein, kidney damage can occur. What should you consider before feeding alfalfa to your male goat? Enjoy banner ad-free browsing with Dairy Goat Info Forums Plus. I was doing a little research on the internet awhile back. It seems like there's a major, common misunderstanding with regard to the calcium in alfalfa. I think most hay around here is timothy or a grass/timothy mix, orchard mix, mixed with clover, etc. Yes, goats can eat alfalfa cubes. However they waste A LOT! The answer to this questions is similar to the one above. French and American Alpines, Purebred Nubians -. Alfalfa is rich in protein and calcium which are extremely beneficial for pregnant and lactating goats. For most of us who feed grains, the addition of alfalfa or crushed limestone would be helpful, if not necessary, to provide the necessary balance. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. This means that if your pets are consuming more calcium than zinc, it could lead to zinc deficiency, which could lead to several health problems like: The deficiency of Zinc is more brutal for the bucks than the does. Can Goats Eat Alfalfa? (Health Benefits/Risks) - Pet Food Fuss Feeding Goats Puget Sound Goat Rescue To put it in perspective, one 50-pound bag of chaffhaye is the equivalent of an 85 or a 100-pound bale of hay. Therefore, alfalfa consumption can result in a happier and healthier goat population. A question that many people have is, can goats eat alfalfa hay? When is the best time to feed your male goats alfalfa? My goats didn't eat the alfalfa hay. If not properly harvested, there is a risk of nitrate poisoning. But this is where the importance of portioning comes in. However, make sure that you're not feeding your goats alfalfa pellets alone, but giving them a balanced diet of long-stemmed hay as well so they do not rely solely on alfalfa pellets. As current users note, these systems are particularly useful during winter. I suggest that you contact your local Cooperative Extension agent or National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) representative for more information on the forage species that are best suited to your area. Another advantage of orchardgrass is its potential for high yields when well fertilized. Always remember that you often get what you pay for in terms of nutritional quality. Minerals are also a vital part of the day-to-day nutrition of a goat. So many think (maybe because it's in pellet form) that alfalfa takes the place of grain. The cheapest option isnt always the best option. Naturally, they get a lot of this from hay and grass, but alfalfa is also an excellent source of fiber. Male goats can eat alfalfa. A goat's dietary needs are best fulfilled by eating a legume style of hay. Breaking Down the Goat Diet - Manna Pro Products, LLC Goats do best when given fresh water every day along with an ample supply of food at all times throughout the year no matter what season it is outside because they dont go into hibernation like other animals during the winter months. Therefore if Bermudagrass is the prevalent hay type in your area, seek to find the best quality Berudagrass hay available locally instead of importing expensive hay from other regions. This makes them more vulnerable to harsh winter climates than other animals like sheep. Can Goats Eat Alfalfa? Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Feeding The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. The does we try to get to eat 2 pounds each a day, the bucks just get 1. Can wethers have alfalfa hay free choice and pellets? My bucks get alfalfa pellets with alfalfa/orchard hay. Hay and alfalfa have to be stored carefully in order to keep them edible, and this can present problems for those not living on a large farm. Before you start feeding your pet goat too much grain mixes, you should remember that grain is very rich in fats. What are the benefits of alfalfa for goats? To better understand the nutritional value of this hay, we have curated a table below which depicts its nutritional composition as a forage crop. Can Goats Eat Alfalfa? (Answered!) - Goat Owner It would be best if you add alfalfa to your goats diet gradually. Contents show However, it is not enough to tend to all the nutritional needs of goats, so you will have to add more nutritious food to your goats' diet to balance the dietary requirements. Knowledge of the mineral composition of the causative urolith is important to develop preventative strategies. If you dont have access to large storage space for dried alfalfa, then you can instead buy alfalfa in pellet form. Leaving the rest, roughly 1/2 the bale. Does it contain high levels of moisture or mold? The grass pellets could be fed as a mixture with alfalfa pellets and fed to . I think you are right, Laura. 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. Are alfalfa pellets an acceptable substitute for alfalfa hay if no hay is available? Advances in analytic techniques have led to detection of urolith components not previously recognized.The objectives of this study were to characterize A forum community dedicated to living sustainably and self sufficiently. How to Feed and Tend Goats on Small Farms - Treehugger You also normally don't feed it to none lactating doe for the same reason in a way since they don't need the calcium or the extra carbs unless again they are working does or on their 4th month of pregnency ect. This estimation is true only when the product is fed as an alternative to hay. Hay is sold as first, second, or third cutting. Alfalfa hay may be easier. Most grains are usually high in phosphorus and, if consumed in abundance, can make your pets calcium deficit. So it would seem that some alfalfa is a good thing, and would help to balance the heavy phosphorous in grass. As I emphasized earlier in this article, the nutritional quality of the hay is more important that the actual type of hay. Unless you live in an area where alfalfa is grown locally, this hay option can be quite expensive. Goat Owner also participates in affiliate programs with other sites. Ryegrass is high-quality forage with excellent palatability that works extremely well for goats in rotational grazing systems. Goat Owner provides access to the content on the website for informational and entertainment purposes only. This is important because malnourished goats are more likely to develop illnesses or parasites if they eat large pieces of alfalfa fed to them by uninformed farmers. All goat owners out there should know that, because alfalfa is rich in proteins and calcium, it should only be fed to goats in certain situations. Alfalfa can be bad for male goats if you feed a lot it can cause urinary issues. The answer to this question is yes. The case is totally opposite to this remark in actuality. If you can find a good quality grass hay I would feed that before alfalfa. Vicki. If your goats . As are presence of foreign objects, and unpalatable or poisonous weeds. I feel like I am a sponge on here soaking up information. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. The exact type of supplement will depend upon the quality of your hay and how its nutritional composition matches the specific needs of your goats. It is easy to establish and works well when overseeded onto dormant Bermudagrass pastures. Here's a good article explaining how too much of anything can be bad. Alfalfa is what is most readily available here. Your pet should be vaccinated for rabies, Clostridium, and tetanus. Hay for goats | BackYardHerds - Goats, Horses, Sheep, Pigs & more Average fescue hay typically contains 8-9% crude protein and 55-60% TDN on a dry matter basis. But what about alfalfa for goats precisely? What Is A Wether Goat? All you need to do is soak them in a bowl of water overnight, drain the water the next morning, rinse them, and store them in a dry and cool place for about 8-10 hours. Gama, brome, native bluestems, Indian grass, switchgrass etc. On the other hand, it has been noted that alfalfa sprouts nutrients such as calcium and magnesium may lead to toxicity if too much will be given to your pet over time. Well, actually any one of them can be. In other words, energy is being directed away from useful bodily tasks. The owner of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. goatsauthority.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Alfalfa is not a health concern for does but we do not recommend a 100% alfalfa diet. it may also take them a day or two to get used to eating it. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. For example, alfalfa aids in their digestion and creates a hospitable environment for good gut bacteria. The bucks all get meat goat pellets that contain AC in them and calf manna. So, it might be a good idea to go online and read more on this topic. 129. It is not advisable to feed your goats too much alfalfa as it has a high level of protein and minerals compared to regular hay. This causes no medical concern, just an esthetic nuisance. Alfalfa runs around 5:1. Even though it is called annual ryegrass it is not a true annual and may come back for two or more years depending on environmental conditions. Before we proceed to talk about the pros and cons of feeding alfalfa hay to your pet ruminants, wouldnt you want to learn more about what it has to offer? Therefore, any extra protein goats eat will ultimately be converted into urea and be excreted from their body in the form of urine. The best practice would be to mix things up a bit. Also, if you think people you know would benefit, wed love for them to check us out! Milking does can have all the alfalfa they want. Male goats that consume alfalfa see not only an increase in physical benefits but also sexual ones. for 15 years in CA, we raised bucks on Alfalfa pellets or alfalfa hay on a dry lot. 1-87SWEETLIX (1-877-933-8549)
You are using an out of date browser. When I moved to free choice alfalfa pellets, the girls would eat everything I put out twice a day no matter how much I would put out. While some goat-owners may have a personal preference as to the type of hay that their goats receive, there is no one type of goat hay out there that can, or even should, be used. Alfalfa must also be added gradually to the diet because consuming too much of it can irritate the digestive system. Where it is beneficial for goats health, it can also be detrimental if fed in excess. Kids get one scoop. The sprouts of alfalfa are also a part of South Indian cuisine. This can reduce the levels of pesticides and chemicals present in the feed, lessening the risk to your goats. Can You Do Oral And Injection Of Ivermectin At The Same Time In Goats? Do you know the type of hay you bought? I heard that they should just be eating grass instead. This choice is good for the digestive system of the pet because it is combined with bacteria cultures. The ideal calciumhosphorus ratio is 2:1 or higher. While the only truly accurate way to determine good hay quality is through a forage analysis, there are several visual indicators that can help identify bad hay. This plant is a good source of nutrition for them, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Prairie grass in North Texas thru Oklahoma can be just about anything.it usually just means a combination of mostly native grasses. In this article, we will learn about the nutritional value of alfalfa, its health benefits for goats, the forms in which goats can consume it safely, and more. At birth, 15%, or less, of a baby goat's diet should be hay. It shows that they care about the quality of their hay and your satisfaction. You know who told me "no alfalfa"? Alfalfa hay should be fed in moderation because it contains a high level of protein which could cause health problems for the goat if eaten too much. I feed my full sized goats pelleted feed ; two of those plastic scoops they sell for pet food once a day. We hope that you found our article useful! This is true because a byproduct of bacterial fermentation is heat. Of course, the specific amount needed will vary based on factors such as the size and age of the goat, as well as environmental conditions like temperature and humidity levels. My goats don't like the first 3, they like and eat alfalfa but waste more than I can afford to let them waste at the price I have to pay per bale. Alfalfa hay is rich in protein, vitamins, and especially calcium. Alfalfa is said to help with this, but can in the quantities required cause other problems like zinc deficiency. Usually lower in nutrition than the improved grasses, but hey, they're 100% natural and organic, GMO free, endophyte free and naturally, 'free ranging' so they can't be too bad. Nutritional supplements come in all shapes and sizes and range from natural feedstuffs known to be relatively high in protein or energy such as soybean meal or corn, to commercially produced minerals, tubs, blocks or pellets. As livestock fodder, alfalfa is fed to the goats and horses, sheep, rabbits, cows, and buffaloes. (Health Benefits/Risks), Norwegian Lundehund: What You Need To Know. Goat Owner is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. If you purchase hay, it is usually more economical to buy locally grown hay when possible. Since these cubes come from plants, dont be surprised if there ends up being some clumps in the bag but definitely not moldy ones! It is not advisable to feed your goats too much alfalfa as it has a high level of protein and minerals compared to regular hay. Let's find out! Also should I move the alfalfa out of their reach? Contents show. Alfalfa hay is also popular for feeding goats and has more protein, vitamins, and minerals than grass hays, typically. Making Lemonade [Selective Culling Project - very long term], Making the coop/run area pretty - show me what youve done, Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance, The Moonshiner's Bootleg Incubator Reviews And Discussions, I Cant Get No Satisfaction July Adopt-an-Egg Hatch-a-Long . View our privacy policy and our disclosure policy for more information. Can Male Goats Eat Alfalfa? (Benefits, Hazards & Serving Size) Also, in non-grazing areas where enough pasture is not available, goat keepers can absolutely rely on alfalfa as a nutrition source for their goats. The nutrient composition of alfalfa is such that it has 13-20 percent crude protein and 50-63 percent TDN. I'm not sure of vthe hay I got at the feed store. In each case, goats will need supplementation of some type to maintain optimum productivity when hay is fed. This website is reader-supported. The fescue endopyhte is known to interfere with blood flow and heat regulation in the animal. They may take time to get used to new stuff but mine even eat pumpkin now. Too much grain or pellets can cause a number of problems, and alfalfa is no exception to this rule. There are a few places I can get alfalfa . No, it is not possible for ruminants such as goats to totally live on alfalfa hay. What Kind of Hay Do Goats Eat? - Feeding Nature When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Thank you everyone for your help . Excess protein can be converted into energy to a certain extent, but this is a very expensive way to provide energy. These microbes allow ruminants to make use of plant materials that are indigestible by monogastric (single-stomached) animals such as humans. Advantages of alfalfa are that it is an excellent source of protein and is highly palatable to livestock Good quality alfalfa hay delivers 15-20% crude protein and 55-60% TDN. Share your story and receive a free gift! The best pastures available are those that contain mixes of grass and clover. I purchase my AC from pipevet.com the last batch from Michael in MN on this list, he also frequents the other list. Goats also have a tendency to search out the tastiest foods before any other type of plant material in their vicinity. Are You Feeding Straw or Hay for Goats? - Backyard Goats These vaccines should only be administered by somebody that has the training to do so. Excellent quality Bermudagrass hay is much better goat feed than poor quality alfalfa hay. Unlike the young goats and pregnant does, alfalfa is not so good for male goats. But once again, poorly fertilized or over-mature hay can contain much lower nutrient values while well fertilized hay that is properly harvested at the vegetative stage can deliver even higher nutritional values. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Moreover, feeding alfalfa to goats in winters can keep them warm. On the contrary, it will enhance the energy level of your goats. (Health Benefits/Risks), Can Goats Eat Honeysuckle? It can cause digestive and respiratory problems, among other things. Alfalfa should be portioned carefully when giving it to your goats, and should be fed alongside grass hay. This way, the pastures can regenerate and you can also avoid having to deal with parasite problems. However, excess of anything is wrong. No content on this website should ever be used as a substitute for taking your goat to a professionally trained and fully qualified veterinarian. It all depends on your individual circumstances. OH there is so much to learn. The only downside is that they contain molasses and sugar, which can cause a host of problems for your goats health if overfed. #8. Grain runs 1:6 to 1:8, depending on the type of grain. In fact, alfalfa is often used as a supplement in goat feed. Or is that way too much calcium? Instead, you should focus on introducing new foods gradually. Mine love fruit and veggies as well as leaves, weeds and hay. If you do have storage for alfalfa, then you will have a great source of food available at all times for your goats. In cases of high levels of endophyte infestation, fescue toxicosis can result. Thus, alfalfa is good for goats undoubtedly. Plus they are easier to handle and store. If you keep your goats and your sheep together, it is advisable that you invest in minerals that are suitable for both species. 104 Things Goats Can Eat and 62 They Cannot [+ Printable Checklist] No it is bad for none working goats. Always ask for a forage test analysis on hay prior to purchase. You can either purchase sprouted alfalfa seeds from the market or online or can sprout them at home. To make the process of selecting grains easier for novices, there are manufacturers that distribute special mixes that were formulated to be fed to goats. Vicki, I started feeding my 2 year old Saanen buck the alfalfa pellets today and I'm wondering about feeding them free choice as he gobbled them right up. Some advantages of fescue are that it is relatively easy to establish and maintain and that it is well suited to wet-natured, organic soils and moderate environmental conditions found in much of the United States.