How to Feed Lactating Goats

With proper care, the lactating goat will supply high-quality milk. Providing her with the right feed helps her meet her daily energy requirements while producing abundant milk. Under- and over-feeding the female goat may cause low production, poor health, depleted energy and metabolic disorders. Separate the lactating doe from other goats to make sure she does not have to compete with other, possibly aggressive, females.

Things You'll Need

Grain
Alfalfa or other legume hay
Grass hay

Instructions

- 1
  Supply a high quality hay such as alfalfa or other legume for the lactating goat. Free-feed her as much hay per day as she will consume. Allow her to graze in a high quality pasture.
- 2
  Free-feed grain during the goat's early lactation. As the goat's milk production increases, feed one pound of grain for every three pounds of milk produced. Continue providing one pound of grain when the female begins to produce five pounds of milk. Feed one pound of grain for each quart of milk the female goat produces per day.
- 3
  Give fresh water daily. The goat should have all the water she wants. Place a salt or mineral block in the goat's pen.
- 4
  Provide a half pound of grain per day when the female goat's milk begins to run out. Substitute high quality hay for simple grass hay. Free-feed as much hay as she will eat.