Milly Gaines
Pregnancy care for goats begins before they are even bred. It is important to ensure that goats are as healthy as possible before they are bred. This includes keeping them up-to-date on vaccinations and worming. During pregnancy, goats have increased nutritional demands to support the growth and development of their kids. They require a diet that is energy-dense and rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Alfalfa, a high-calcium, moderate-protein, high-vitamin legume forage product, is recommended for pregnant goats. Calcium is especially important for pregnant and lactating goats as many pregnancy and kidding problems can occur from a diet too low in calcium. However, mineral antagonists such as sulfur and iron can hinder the absorption of certain minerals, so it is important to feed the correct amount of alfalfa in the correct balance with minerals.
Characteristics of a pregnant goat's diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates and glucose | Can be supplied by feeding high-carbohydrate grains |
| Alfalfa | High calcium, moderate protein, high vitamin legume forage product |
| Calcium | Essential macro-mineral for pregnant and lactating goats |
| Copper | Important mineral for fetal development |
| Selenium | Important mineral for pregnant does |
| Water | Critical for the pregnant doe; fresh, clean water should always be available |
| Forage | Average quality to high-quality hay can meet nutritional needs if forage is not available |
| Body condition | Thin does should gain weight to maintain pregnancy and target a body condition score of 3-4 by the time they kid |
| Pasture | Good quality pastures often meet the nutritional needs of a pregnant doe |
| Protein | Adequate protein intake is crucial for fetal development and milk production |
| Energy | Pregnant goats require a diet that is energy-dense |
| Frequency of feeding | Pregnant goats may benefit from more frequent feeding, especially during the later stages of pregnancy |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of calcium, protein, and vitamins
While the nutritional requirements of pregnant goats are not too different from those of non-pregnant goats, nutrition is critical for the overall health of the herd and the growth performance of kids. Calcium, protein, and vitamins are especially important for pregnant goats.
Calcium
Calcium is an essential macro-mineral for pregnant and lactating goats. A calcium deficiency can lead to reduced milk production and many pregnancy and kidding problems. Legumes such as clover, alfalfa, and kudzu are good sources of calcium. However, excessive dietary calcium (alfalfa) may increase the likelihood of zinc deficiency in goats. The calcium:phosphorus ratio should be maintained between 1:1 and 2:1, preferably, but pregnant does should not be fed a calcium:phosphorus ratio that is very high in calcium as this can cause a metabolic disease called milk fever.
Protein
Protein is important for lactating, growing, sick, or debilitated animals, which may require diets fortified with legumes or protein supplements (e.g. soybean meal, cottonseed meal). Feeding adequate to slightly greater amounts of protein than required appears to aid in the control of internal nematode parasites.
Vitamins
Vitamins are extremely important to animal health, and too much or too little can make an animal sick. Vitamin A, which is produced in the goat's body from beta-carotene found in green plants, helps with eyesight, fertility, and fighting infections. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is important because a deficiency can cause blindness, staggering, convulsions, and death from a metabolic disease called polioencephalomalacia. Vitamin C is made in the rumen of ruminants like goats. Vitamin D is produced in the skin of goats that are out in sunlight and should be provided in the diet of goats kept indoors. It is needed for proper bone growth and health, and a deficiency can cause Ricketts (weak, small bones resulting in a stunted, hunchback look) and brittle bones in adults. Vitamin E and Selenium work together to prevent nutritional muscular dystrophy, retained placentas, and to reduce susceptibility to worms and disease.
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Alfalfa and mineral supplements
Alfalfa is a high-calcium, moderate-protein, high-vitamin legume forage product. Calcium is an essential macro-mineral for pregnant and lactating goats. It is critical to the goat and must be supplied by its feed. Many pregnancy and kidding problems can occur from a diet too low in calcium.
However, calcium is a mineral antagonist, meaning it binds to certain minerals and hinders their absorption. Therefore, when feeding alfalfa, it is important to feed the correct amount in the correct balance with minerals. Pregnant goats do not need to be overloaded with alfalfa; a couple of cups to a quart or two a day is sufficient, depending on the goat's size and weight.
Mineral supplements are also important for pregnant goats. Selenium is one such mineral that is important to pregnant does. A deficiency in selenium can lead to issues with fetal development, including problems with getting pregnant, aborting, miscarrying, and giving birth to kids far too early for them to survive. Copper is another mineral that is important for fetal development. A deficiency in copper can lead to a lower number of kids born per doe.
Other minerals that are needed in trace amounts by goats include zinc, manganese, fluoride, and cobalt. Cobalt may need to be added to the goat's diet in salt or concentrate form, as it is often deficient in the soil.
Vitamins are also important for the health of pregnant goats. Vitamin A is produced in the goat's body from beta-carotene, which is found in green plants. Vitamin A helps the goat to have good eyesight, be fertile, and fight infections. It also helps keep the surfaces of its skin and internal organs healthy.
In addition to alfalfa and mineral supplements, pregnant goats should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Water can impact the absorption of minerals, and inadequate water intake can cause dehydration and impact the goat's ability to excrete waste.
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Grain and concentrate feeds
Pregnant goats have increased nutritional demands to support the growth and development of their offspring. While some sources suggest that grains are not necessary for pregnant goats, others recommend supplementing their diet with grains or concentrate feeds.
Grains and concentrate feeds can provide pregnant goats with the necessary energy, protein, and nutrient intake. These feeds should contain essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. The amount of grain or concentrate feed provided should be adjusted based on the goat's body condition and the number of fetuses. It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian or experienced goat breeder to determine appropriate feeding levels.
The foundation of a pregnant goat's diet should be high-quality forage, such as legume hays or pasture. Aim for approximately 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of forage per 100 pounds of body weight. If adequate forage is not available, high-quality hay can be offered instead. As pregnancy progresses, the goat may need to be supplemented with concentrates to meet their increasing nutritional demands.
It is important to note that overfeeding grain can lead to overweight goats, which are more susceptible to metabolic issues. Additionally, some sources suggest that feeding large amounts of grains during pregnancy can contribute to metabolic issues. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and not rely solely on grains to meet the nutritional requirements of pregnant goats.
Some guidelines suggest that grain should be introduced gradually, especially during late pregnancy. Starting with a small amount, such as a tablespoon or two once a day, can help the goat adjust to the grain in their diet. It is also recommended to monitor the goat's body condition and adjust the feed amount accordingly to maintain optimal health without excessive weight gain.
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Water and pasture access
Water is often referred to as the "forgotten nutrient" in animal nutrition. Goats require access to fresh, clean water at all times, but it is especially critical for pregnant goats. Stagnant or dirty water will reduce water intake, which will in turn decrease feed intake, hindering the growth of kids and potentially impacting the pregnancy status of does. Water quality should be monitored regularly, and water intake should be increased when temperatures rise above 70°F and during cold weather. Goats typically consume between half a gallon and a gallon and a half of water per day, depending on temperature, humidity, body size, and production status.
Pasture is another important aspect of a pregnant goat's diet. Pasture forage provides an excellent and affordable source of nutrients for goats. Good-quality pastures often meet the nutritional needs of pregnant goats, but they may require supplementation with concentrates during late gestation. Pasture forage should be maintained at a height of four inches or taller to prevent goats from consuming parasite larvae. Pastures can be rotated every four to five days to prevent parasite infections.
Legume hays, such as alfalfa, are also recommended for pregnant goats. Alfalfa is a high-calcium, moderate-protein, high-vitamin legume forage product. It is important to balance the amount of alfalfa in the diet with mineral levels, as mineral antagonists such as calcium and sulfur can hinder the absorption of certain minerals. A couple of cups to a quart or two of alfalfa per day is generally sufficient, depending on the goat's size and weight.
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Body weight and health considerations
Body weight is a critical factor in the health of pregnant goats. Maintaining a healthy weight range is essential for the overall well-being of the goat and the successful development of the fetus. Overweight or underweight goats are more susceptible to metabolic issues, which can complicate pregnancy and impact the health of both the mother and the kids.
To ensure a healthy body weight, it is crucial to provide a balanced diet that meets the nutritional demands of pregnancy. This includes an energy-dense diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals. Good-quality forages, such as legume hays, soybean meal, or alfalfa, are excellent sources of nutrients and can be supplemented with grain or concentrate feeds. Alfalfa, in particular, is a high-calcium, moderate-protein, high-vitamin legume that can benefit pregnant goats. However, it should be fed in moderate amounts due to its calcium content, which can hinder the absorption of other minerals.
Water is often overlooked but is a critical component of a goat's diet, especially during pregnancy. Fresh, clean water should always be readily available to pregnant goats, as it is essential for maintaining hydration, aiding digestion, and supporting the absorption of nutrients. Inadequate water intake can lead to dehydration and impact the goat's ability to excrete waste, compromising their health and the health of the developing fetus.
In addition to diet, regular deworming and hoof trimming are important aspects of maintaining the health and body weight of pregnant goats. Deworming helps prevent internal parasite infections, which can be detrimental to the goat's health. Trimming hooves ensures proper foot health and mobility, contributing to the overall well-being of the goat during pregnancy.
Furthermore, it is important to monitor the body condition score of pregnant goats. Thin does with a body condition score of less than 3 should aim to gain weight during pregnancy to support the developing fetus. This can be achieved through high-quality forage or by supplementing their diet with concentrates, such as grains. By targeting a body condition score of 3 to 4 by the time of kidding, you can help ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and her kids.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pregnant goats have increased nutritional demands to support the growth and development of their kids.
Pregnant goats require a diet that is energy-dense and rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Good-quality forages, such as legume hays or pasture, can be supplemented with grain or concentrate feeds. Alfalfa, a high-calcium and moderate-protein legume, is highly recommended.
Pregnant goats may benefit from more frequent feeding, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. Split their daily ration into multiple meals to aid digestion and prevent overeating. Aim for approximately 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of forage per 100 pounds of body weight.
Fresh, clean water should always be available, and water intake should be monitored, especially in extreme temperatures. Additionally, separation from the herd, regular worming, and hoof trimming are important considerations for the overall care of a pregnant goat.
