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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

OT- goats and hay ?

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mike in New Mex

03-07-2006 09:13:31




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hello- I need to buy some round bales of hay for my goats, something they can eat on out in pasture till things start growing again. I was feeding them round bales of baby milo and they liked that, but thats all gone now. I tried hay grazer but they won't eat it. The only thing left is either millet or oat bales- so which one do you-all think they will eat ? Thanks to all who rply- mike




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txgrn

03-07-2006 19:32:49




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 Re: OT- goats and hay ? in reply to mike in New Mexico, 03-07-2006 09:13:31  
On the grocery store scraps, you really need to be careful of staples that hold things together like lettuce cartons. People at the store are not concerned where they go and they will wind up in the lettuce scraps. You don't want your goat eating any of those. BTDT
We had goats 25 years ago and I have forgotten what forage we fed them. I know we fed them a lot of grain; oats as I recall.

Have a neighbor with a good sized goat population and feeds round bales; and as stated they make a terrible wasteful mess. The quality of the bales is poor too, but around here, right now, you are lucky to have hay at all.

Mark

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Dachshund

03-08-2006 05:18:22




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 Re: OT- goats and hay ? in reply to txgrn, 03-07-2006 19:32:49  
MNA! You must have meaner grocery people than we do! The ones around here are careful to REMOVE all the staples!I always go through the stuff anyhoo.



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txgrn

03-08-2006 06:44:34




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 Re: OT- goats and hay ? in reply to Dachshund, 03-08-2006 05:18:22  
Not a matter of meanness, just a matter of not knowing (that someone was going to feed it), or being in a hurry, or not paying attention, or accidental, or it taking too much time to be careful. Besides, there wasn't always someone at the back door wanting it for feed.

I had thought about using the stuff because a large grocery store turns out a lot of lettuce waste, but for the reasons mentioned I declined.

Mark

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mike in New Mexico

03-07-2006 18:31:14




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 Re: OT- goats and hay ? in reply to mike in New Mexico, 03-07-2006 09:13:31  
Thanks everybody !! I raise dairy goats- not for profit but for my own use. I feed 18% goat ration in the morning and alfalfa in the evening, It's the in between time that I like to have something for them to browse on. I do have the round bale goat feeders so theres not much waste. we had a big fire last nov. and feed is hard to find- seems a lot of people lost their grass. also this is the driest winter on record- the last measureable moisture we got was back in the first part of november-1/10" Well Thanks all-mike

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Kelly Campbell

03-07-2006 12:47:16




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 Re: OT- goats and hay ? in reply to mike in New Mexico, 03-07-2006 09:13:31  
I feed my boar goats the nastiest hay that I can get for them, and they love it, will eay every bit in sight. They also really, really, like alfala but care must be taken to ensure that they don't eat too much.... Watch your trees in the pasture that they don't kill them off, also I've watched my goats eat fresh sawn rough cut poplar....need less to say I've got some interesting stalls....

Take care


Kelly

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Dave H (MI)

03-07-2006 11:43:06




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 Re: OT- goats and hay ? in reply to mike in New Mexico, 03-07-2006 09:13:31  
I agree with the comment on waste and disagree with letting them pick their favorite choice.
No matter how you look at it, give them round bales and they will waste it something terrible.
As to the choice idea, goats are NOT the best at picking what is best for them, much like many people. Evaluate the hay in terms of what type of goats, dairy or meat, and GENDER* and age. Make a decision from there. They will eat too rich if you let them. We feed only grass hay and if it has a few weeds that just keeps them interested. IMHO

*The forum police, God love em, would not let the "S" "E" "X" word be posted!

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Truth seeker

03-07-2006 10:03:42




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 Re: OT- goats and hay ? in reply to mike in New Mexico, 03-07-2006 09:13:31  
Hi!
I consulted my mom on this one.
"The book "Nutrition Requirements for Goats" only gives info about oats in dry stage with oat hay having more protein than oat straw. In fresh stage, millet is listed as having a higher digestible protein that oats. As far as deciding which to get for your goats, if it were me, and the option was available, I would try to get one of each and set both bales out at the same time. The goats will show which they prefer not only according to their palate, but also according to their need. If you can only get one or only have space for one, than alter them and watch the goats condition and performance. My goats get bored in a hurry if the hay isn't too good, and this is the time of the year when hay isn't always the greatest but having kids and milking makes their needs the greatest. To cut down on the boredom factor, I offer sapling and tree trimmings to give them something to do and I believe its good for their rumen. I don't dare turn them out right now because they will seek out and destroy any fruit tree around. Also when the hay quality is not up to snuff, you can fuss with the grain quality. I sometimes add a little beet pulp or distillers grain to raise the protein level. This is done only a little at a time. What you do also depends on why you have goats."
Hope this helps!

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Dachshund

03-07-2006 09:37:22




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 Re: OT- goats and hay ? in reply to mike in New Mexico, 03-07-2006 09:13:31  
Most people are under the impression that goats are like cows - GRAZERS. The truth is, goats are more like deer - BROWSERS. The nasty, weed filled hay with lots of "trash" in it will work the best. With a round bale, you will have about 50% waste. If you can get it up in a feeder, you will not waste as much. Get a feeder that is designed for goats, or build one yourself. Goats also love cedar trees and other "scraps" - especially apples! Between oats or millet hay - I'd say oats. Save money and don't buy "horse" hay - go for the cheaper stuff horse people wont buy. How many head do you have? Go to a local grocery store and ask for outdated produce - our store just gives it away. Your goats will need something else besides hay! No houseplants, but weeds from the garden are good.

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