The best hay for goats is alfalfa hay, which is high in protein and calcium. You expect to find hay in any bale you buy, but Ive found its often mixed up with a variety of other things. . It does not do well in hot climates, however. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. You can find out more information at your local county extension office. Your email address will not be published. In addition, oats are a good source of fiber and essential minerals such as phosphorus, thiamine, magnesium, and zinc. Mature goats do very well on a grass-legume mix and some grass hays, but generally do not eat coarse grass hay; having small mouths, goats do not like it. Oat strip plots on July 11, 2016. However, when feeding hay that is not alfalfa or leguminous, supplementation is required. But with some planning, feeding hay during the winter months can be a simple and efficient alternative while waiting the return of springs lush pastures. As a result, it has almost no nutritional benefits, which is why goats generally prefer sleeping on it rather than eating it. One of the most frequent misconceptions about goats is that they can eat everything and anything. SLCG PRO TIP: Did you know that most goats can live their entire life without any supplemental grain? Or Any Day! you can usually get away with 3-5 lbs per 1000 sq feet if you are reseeding. Good grass hay is the most ideal feed for mature horses; it is the most natural feed, and contains the proper calcium/phosphorus ratio (preferably 1:1 to 2:1). Rinse 1st day sprouts several times throughout the day and leave overnight above fridge for warmth. 5: Adding grain. The following contains our findings. of average quality hay. Do some more research and set 8 C dry barley to soak in cold water. Third cut hay is a less common cut of hay and usually depends on the location and weather where you live to how easy it is to purchase. They provide both nutrition and roughage, which creates the right balance of moisture and fiber in the rumen, making the digestive process run smoothly. (Or have had some!) We prefer to feed second cut to our goats for reasons I will get into later. It has a thicker and tougher stalk than the other options. You are welcome and encouraged to link to simplelivingcountrygal.com or use a single image with a brief description to link back to any post. Brome is a type of grass, I think it is a very long stemmy grass but I can't say for sure(i'm having a blank headed day). Second cut hay is next and has a higher protein and nutritional value than first cut and also tends to contain fewer weeds. You often cannot tell the quality of the hay by just looking at the outside of a bale. As long as its oat hay that is not that mature, as in the heads were not on yet when it was baled then they should like it. Avoid giving goats hay that is moldy or has been stored in a damp place, as this can make them sick. When the moon is full and those stars aligned and your garden is just bursting with an amazing rainbow of produce, that is when it is all worth it. Again encouraging nutrients to support the energy needed by a bred goat. For lactating goats (does), oats provide an additional energy source. Sweet feed contains molasses and is a good source of iron. You may have heard the terms hay and straw used interchangeably in a conversation. While oats are generally safe for goats, it is vital to feed them in moderation to avoid overeating and gastrointestinal problems. At the other extreme, overly stemmy alfalfa that is well past bloom stage may be too coarse for horses. What Can Chickens Eat? First, oat hay should be fresh and dry. Fullblood and Percentage show and breedstock. These ginger and banana snacks bring the goats home! Thanks!! Alongside, alfalfa hays provide extra protein for the goats. Most dairy cows will not milk adequately on grass hay, nor on stemmy, coarse alfalfa that contains few leaves. Oat straw is the most palatable; cattle like it quite well. We would love to hear about your experience! A mixed hay field counts on the diversity of plants to make good hay each year. Oats can also be used in medicated treats or added to baked cookies. In addition, it can prevent milk fever or goat ketosis in lactating does. For that reason, Alfalfa hay is a great choice because of its higher protein amounts. Also, (while on the subject of hay) what type of hay do you feed? Stay tuned to learn more! Since our goats prefer the second cut hay they will eat more that will, in turn, keep their rumens active giving them a bit more protection when those frigid wind chills hit. Green bales indicate that it is still fresh. [Whole Rolled, Steel-Cut or Quick Oats?]. Oat hay is a great source of protein useful for goat breeding. Once or Twice a Day? Hay should be fed in feeders to help minimize waste and help prevent the spread of disease. As with any changes to your goats diet, oats should be introduced gradually so as to not upset their digestive system and to give their rumen, (their first stomach), the time to adjust. You wont know what the real wt is until you physically weigh it. Rye is another grain often fed to goats, but it can be hard for them to digest. Oat hay can be an alternative to legume hays which are more expensive. This cut of hay will be more expensive because of the quality and nutritional levels found in the bales. When hay costs rise, beef cattle can often get by eating a mix of straw and some type of protein. There are many options depending on where you live and what feed choices you have available. (They have more hay wisdom than us. These goat oat treats will remove all doubt that goats can eat oats. This is the reality of fodder: 2 pounds of grain (1.9 lbs dry matter), which has approximately 95% dry matter (DM), grows into "grass" in 6-10 days, which weighs at this point 12 pounds and has 10% dry matter (DM). You may have to use some form of sweetener if youre feeding oat hay while lactating to boost feed intake. Goats can eat oats. This can disrupt the microbes that help the animals digest their feed. Alfalfa contains a higher percentage of calcium and protein than grass hays. Hay. Wet hay not only weighs more, adding to the cost, but will likely be moldy. My goats arent that keen, and while theyll nibble away at the oats, theyll leave the stalks untouched. I cant even tell you how much money I wasted on purchasing hay that looked good but my goats did not thrive on. Outdoor Happens is reader-supported. of average quality hay, while one pound of oats can replace 1.6 lbs. If you do not have access to pasture for your goats, then the grass hay percentage is going to be a bit higher than the graph above. REd clover is good, white clover contains and anti coagulant which prevents the blood from clotting, so that should be avoided just fyi. What's the benefits of rye grass? The Best Hay for Goats in Their Heyday. Shutterstock Hay for Sheep. Rocks are also potentially dangerous, breaking teeth and causing havoc in the rumen. Help spread the word. Pellet form would make a lot more sense, but are alfalfa pellets bad for goats? No sprouts yet. When we see a bale of bright green hay, we get excited! Young calves have tender mouths and cannot chew coarse hay very wellwhether grass or alfalfa. For pregnant or lactating mares, or young growing horses, some legume hay added to the diet provides the additional protein and higher levels of other nutrients needed. It adds protein, vitamins and minerals to the goat's diet. Dirt, sticks, and stones add to the weight of a bale of hay, meaning you get less hay for your money. Yes, Goats can eat oat and will always devour it anytime you serve them with it. READ: THE BEST HAY FEEDERS OPTIONS FOR GOATS. A goats main nutrition should come from hay, at around 50% of their daily intake. This product is manufactured in Texas but more and more states are carrying it as well. Once opened you will need to store it in a container that will help to keep the air out. Moderate fall and tremendous spring production. That helps so much Beth and everyone else. It is also used for smaller animals such as rabbits. Pellets can also be made of alfalfa, which is a great source of protein for goats. An overwintering oat that has a wide leaf and dense crown, Cosaque has superb weed suppression. The type of goat you are raising, the main purpose of the goats role on your homestead and the quality of pasture you have available to your herd. When feeding oats to a lactating doe, you can feed up to two cups daily. Clover works well too and since its cool plant, you could start frost seeding it soon enough. When I first starting raising goats I thought all hay was alike. For our dairy goats, we prefer to feed second cut hay. Offer them organic lettuce fresh from the garden, and theyll turn their collective noses up at it. we reseed our pastures with a good quality orchard/rye mix. Hay is regional and the names of the grasses will change depending on the location in which you live. The digestibility, palatability and nutrient values are highest when the plant is youngwith more leaves and less stems. Oats are a good source of nutrients for goats that can help to keep them healthy and happy. What Can Chickens Eat? Grass hays are the best for goats. Chemical weed sprays can be extremely harmful to livestocktheir use is not recommended by some vets. When choosing the best hay for your herd you will need to factor in a few things. You're awesome for doing it! ], Vegetable, Fruit Tree, and Edible Gardens, How Soon Can a Goat Get Pregnant After Giving Birth? Feeding them a diet including oats can help keep their digestive systems healthy and functioning optimally. A goats daily diet should also include about 25% of pasture and 20% of grains. Listeriosis is a potentially fatal infectious disease that causes encephalitis, blood poisoning, and abortion. For our dairy goats, we prefer to feed second cut hay. Hay is particularly important if milk production is the main purpose of your goats. Goats should also have access to fresh water at all times. Usually, machines, called balers, will do the baling. The grass is more personal preference and depends what would grow best in your area. Your email address will not be published. Eating oats can also help goats to stay warm in cold weather. 4 oz (or 4 scoops) MannaPro Goat Balancer Pellets (OPTIONAL: Would replace kelp and brewer's yeast) Molasses (just enough to coat ingredients, I use about 1/8 - 1/4 cup molasses + 1-2 Tbs . Later cuttings tend to grow more slowly and the stems are finer and softer. I tried growing my own food for a time. Hay is used as animal fodder, meaning feed for large livestock animals. Some of the legumes from which hay is made include grasses such as oat, fescue, and Bermuda, as well as clover and alfalfa. it saves valuable nutrients and top soil from harsh winter weather. But, in the same respect, dogs were never really meant to eat kibble. It has less weeds, is finer-stemmed, fertilized, and grown during the optimal growing season. An overwintering oat that has a thicker and tougher stalk than the other options feeding them a including... You buy, but will likely be moldy help goats to stay warm in cold.... 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And some type of protein safe for goats that can help to keep healthy... And has a higher percentage of calcium and protein than grass hays you feed. Most frequent misconceptions about goats is that they can eat oat and will always devour it anytime you serve with... Image with a good source of protein for the goats home of bright green hay meaning. Lettuce fresh from the garden, and Edible Gardens, how soon can a goat get Pregnant After giving?... You expect to find hay in any bale you buy, but can!? ] cut hay disease that causes encephalitis, blood poisoning, and abortion, and turn... County extension office tend to grow more slowly and the stems are finer and.! Oats to a lactating doe, you can feed up to two daily. Medicated treats or added to baked cookies of fiber and essential minerals as. Goats is that they can eat everything and anything get excited straw used in! 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