How to Get Your Own Dairy Goat Feed Mixed

ADGA reg. Nubian Dairy Goat at a goat show

If you want your dairy goats to feel, perform and even show their best, you may wish to look at having your own feed mixed versus buying it by the bag labeled simply 'goat feed' at your local feed store. All goats are not created equal.

Here is my own personal mix recipes from the days when I showed my dairy goats here in Michigan. It was also used by fellow goat showpersons in Ohio.

Things You'll Need

• A CLEAN local grain mill
• This recipe
• Hungry Goats

Instructions

1. First and foremost, go and actually visit your local grain mill. Ask them to see where the grain is stored and mixed. If it is not clean (rotting grains, rodents, odd odors, etc), move on to another mill. Many will deliver for a small fee so don't worry so much on proximity.

2. This dry mix is for all bucks, kids and young does up to 6 wks before freshening.

   170 lbs shelled cracked corn
   170 lbs oats
   80 lbs roasted soybeans
   .25 bag vita fern fare out (vitamin and mineral supplement)
   3 lb vitamin E-20
   1 lb Cattle Plus II (protein supplement)
   1 lb selenium premix
   10 lb magnesium sulfate
   40 lbs liquid molasses
   2 lb decox 10X

3. This recipe is for pregnant adult does 2 weeks before freshening and lactating does. First fresheners switched to this feed 6 wks before freshening.

   250 lbs shelled cracked corn
   60 lbs oats
   140 lbs HIE B35 (protein supplement)
   20 lb roasted soybeans
   5 lb bicarb of soda
   6 lb diamond V yeast
   .25 lb selenium premix
   40 lb liquid molasses

Tips & Warnings

• Selenium additives is for areas like MI who don't get selenium naturally in their roughage. I also give them BoSe shots in this area - ask your vet. Selenium comes from the ground which in selenium rich areas, is then taken up by the hay, etc so additives are not necessary. In areas like MI, it is necessary to prevent such ailments as rickets, poor growth, etc.

• These recipes were used in both Ohio and Michigan. If you are not in these areas, please consult with your veterinarian and perhaps your local fellow goat raisers who are sensitive to the needs of dairy goats.