How to Put Weight on Meat Goats

Whether you're raising young meat goats for a market goat show, commercial meat production or your own meat goat herd, proper weight gain is the single most important factor in producing high-quality meat goat stock. Genetics affects a meat goat's ability to gain weight, so always start with high-quality meat goat stock. Commonly available, proven meat goat breeds include the Boer, the Kiko and the Spanish meat goat. Daily weight gain varies by goat, but typically ranges between 1/4 lb. and 1/2 lb. per day for properly managed meat goats less than one year old.

Things You'll Need

  • Meat goat grain supplement
  • Fresh water
  • Alfalfa hay/grass pasture
  • Goat collar and leash
  • Feed bucket
  • Wood/concrete block
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your meat goats a well-balanced grain supplement. Look for a grain ration formulated specifically for meat goats. This type of ration contains essential nutrients and minerals, as well as high 16-percent to 20-percent protein levels, which promote muscle development, growth rate and overall body conditioning. Make sure your meat goats also have constant access to fresh, clean water, as well as high-quality alfalfa hay or grass pasture to maximize weight gain and minimize potential diet-related health problems, such as enterotoxemia.

    • 2

      Exercise your meat goats on a daily basis. Outfit each meat goat with a well-fitting collar, then hook up a leash and take each one for a walk or jog. Though it seems like it would do the opposite, this increased exercise improves weight gain by reducing unnecessary fat, building muscle mass (which weighs more than fat) and stimulating your meat goat's appetite. If you have a large herd of meat goats, collect them in a smaller holding area and encourage them to move around for approximately 30 minutes each day.

    • 3

      Feed your meat goat on an incline. Position your goat's feed bucket slightly above head height, then provide your goat with a wood or concrete block to step on while eating. This practice encourages muscle development in the legs, says Kent Orrell, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension educator. As a precaution, stay with your goats while they eat to help ensure that they don't slip from the blocks and hurt themselves while eating.

    • 4

      Monitor your meat goats closely for stomach worm infestations, which can drastically limit your goat's ability to gain weight. Check the insides of each goat's eyelids once weekly; bright pink conjunctiva indicates a healthy goat without significant worm issues, while pale pink or gray conjunctiva indicates a heavy load of stomach worms. Take a feces sample to your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis, then obtain an appropriate worm medication for those goats that show pale conjunctiva or experience other signs of worms, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, rough hair coat, or lack of energy.