How to Feed Goats in the Winter

Feeding animals in the winter is one of the most challenging aspects of farming. Ensuring that you've met the complete nutritional needs of animals who spend much of their days on pasture can be a nerve-wracking prospect. Goats dislike wet weather, cold weather and snow. In the winter, they are wholly dependent upon their farmer to care for them until the snow has melted and the grass and weeds are visible once again. Fortunately, if you arm yourself with information and a variety of feeds, your goats will spend their winter properly fed.

Things You'll Need

Molasses
High quality grass hay
Commercial goat feed
Balanced goat mineral
Baking soda

Instructions

- 1
  Provide goats with warm water when the weather turns cold. Mix enough liquid molasses to tint the water a light brown color using three to five tablespoons of molasses to two gallons of hot water. The molasses will prevent freezing to temperatures around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and encourage the goats to drink.
- 2
  Stuff your hay rack with good quality grass hay until it cannot hold anymore. The majority of a goat's diet is roughage and the grass hay will keep them fed and occupied while in their self-imposed exile in the barn. Place an old tire on top of round hay bales and tarp them tightly so you can access the hay if snow is expected for a week or more.
- 3
  Give your goats two daily meals of a balanced goat ration. Lactating goats should eat a ration with at least 16 percent protein. Bucks and wethers should not have grain, but alfalfa pellets can be added to their diet as a supplemental feed. Feed according to package directions as formulations can vary widely.
- 4
  Provide a mineral designed specifically for goats in a mineral feeder, along with baking soda, in a place where it will not get wet and where all goats can have access. Mineral provides many of the micro-nutrients that goats need and baking soda helps maintain proper rumen pH to prevent bloat.