Nutrition and Feeding

Goats have the ability to forage on anything from fresh grass to weeds and shrubs. Ensure a healthy herd by focusing on goat nutrition, feed, and pasture management.

In this section, find information on how to manage dairy and meat goat nutrition, including resources on feed analysis and forage quality. Access tips on estimating water needs, avoiding poison ivy and multiflora rose, and managing warm-season annuals.

Goat Feed Management

Whether raising goats for dairy or meat, paying attention to the animals’ nutritional needs is critical. While goats may have different nutritional requirements based on the stage of life they are in, providing pastures where they can browse freely is the foundation of proper goat nutrition.

Hay is one of the key sources of nutrients for goats, especially during the winter months when they don’t have access to grazing ground. It provides the goat herd with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. Goat hay can be grass or a legume such as alfalfa.

Grain feeds may also be used as part of a goat’s diet. Grains are mostly used as a supplement when necessary (e.g. to extend the grazing season or boost nutrient levels). It is important to note, though, that overfeeding grains can lead to health problems such as acidosis and indigestion. Learn more about animal feed safety and regulations with Penn State Extension’s Preventive Controls for Animal Food workshop.

Goat Minerals

Typically, forages do not contain enough minerals to meet goats’ dietary requirements. Supplements – such as mineral mixes of salt with calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals – are often required.

Note: Legume forages typically contain sufficient amounts of calcium and will only need phosphorus with trace mineral supplement.

Apart from goat feed and minerals, your livestock needs to have easy access to fresh, clean water. Producers can ensure an adequate supply of water is available by estimating farm water use needs well in advance. In addition, you should secure feeding equipment such as feed storage containers, feeders, and water buckets.

Goat Pasture and Forage Management

Goats are well-known for consuming a high percentage of brush and other less desirable plants. This way they successfully maximize the use of pastureland and improve forage quality over time.

With an adequate rotational grazing program, goat producers can increase pasture production and help control internal/external parasites. High-quality pastures – as well as small-grain pastures – provide excellent goat feed that also stimulates milk production during kidding. Forage quality is typically affected by plant development and the timing of grazing.

Discover further information on grazing management and pasture systems with Penn State Extension’s Sustainable Pasture Management for Livestock course. To learn more about pasture rotation, soil management, and forage samples, have a look at the Goat Pasture and Forage Quality Management workshop.