How to Feed Fainting Goats

Even though goats are often depicted as virtual garbage disposals through cartoons or other sources, it is important to provide them with a nutritious diet. The fainting goat breed historically survived off brush and weeds. However, with the limited grazing conditions often present today, it is important to supplement fainting goats with a more traditional diet of hay and grain to insure adequate nutrition.

Things You'll Need

  • Alfalfa or grass/alfalfa hay
  • Grain
  • Salt block
  • Mineral block
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Instructions

    • 1

      Survey goats' pasture grounds and assess grazing conditions. Fainting goads will eat most weed and grass varieties and even vegetation such as dried tree leaves.

    • 2

      Feed goats alfalfa hay or a grass/alfalfa hay mix twice daily. Fainting goats with ample grazing grounds will only need about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. of hay per goat per feeding. Goats without sufficient grazing can eat up to 2 1/2 or 3 lbs. of hay each.

    • 3

      Supplement hay with a grain mix twice daily. Most grain mixes contain oats, barley, corn and vitamin and mineral supplements. Fainting goats only need about 1/4 lb. of grain per feeding, totalling 1/2 lb. per goat per day.

    • 4

      Remove any uneaten feed by the next day and replace with fresh feed.

    • 5

      Provide milking goats with extra protein. You can buy grain mixes with additional protein and feed good quality alfalfa hay.

    • 6

      Place a salt lick and mineral block in your goats' pen to ensure adequate mineral intake.

    • 7

      Continually monitor your fainting goats' weight and eating habits. Adjust your feeding routine as necessary. For example, if your goats consistently waste a fair amount of hay, simply offer them a bit less. If they are losing weight, offer more feed or better quality feed.