How to Bottle-Feed Nubian Goats

Long, bell-shaped ears, a roman nose and short hair characterize the Nubian goat. They are any color. Nubians are raised for meat and milk. They are not heavy milk producers, but produce milk with a high butterfat content. Nubian goats don't have a long breeding season and kids are often born any time during the year. After a five-month gestation, does give birth to one or more kids. If bottle-fed, the kids are removed from their mother soon after birth.

Things You'll Need

  • Did or lamb bottle
  • Colostrum
  • Milk replacer
  • High quality hay
  • Calf starter or goat chow grain
  • Fresh water
  • Salt block
  • Clean, dry housing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a lamb or goat bottle, or use a rubber nipple that fits on a soda bottle. Be sure the bottle and nipple are clean.

    • 2

      Bottle-feed the Nubian kid soon after birth. Feed colostrum, the first milk produced by the doe after kidding, for 24 hours. Colostrum provides antibodies, protein, vitamins and minerals. Feed 2 to 3 pints of milk, divided into three or four feedings, to the young Nubian.

    • 3

      Freeze extra colostrum from the Nubian doe in ice cube trays. Transfer the frozen cubes to a plastic freezer container or bag. Use the colostrum for newborn kids when fresh colostrum is not available. Thaw the colostrum at room or low temperature.

    • 4

      Switch to goat's milk or milk replacer when the Nubian kid is one day old. Milk replacer is powdered milk that is mixed with warm water. Goat or lamb milk replacer provides the best array of nutrient milk for kids. However, kids will thrive on cow milk replacer. Gradually reduce the number of feedings to two per day.

    • 5

      Provide a clean, dry, draft-free environment. At one week of age, offer high quality hay and fresh water to the Nubian kid. At approximately two weeks of age, begin to feed a calf starter or goat chow grain. Give the kid access to a salt block.

    • 6

      Wean the Nubian kid from milk at 8 to 12 weeks. At weaning, the kid should consume ¼ pound of grain in addition to good quality hay daily.