Summary

The fundamentals of feeding goats to support health and productivity. Proper nutrition is centered on fresh forage and good‑quality hay, as goats are natural browsers that prefer leafy plants, brush, and forbs over grass alone. Goats with higher energy requirements—such as growing kids, pregnant does, and lactating does—benefit from supplemental concentrates or grain formulated specifically for goats. Grain should be fed once or twice daily in controlled amounts to prevent digestive disorders like ruminal acidosis, with free‑choice baking soda provided as a buffer. Management recommendations include separating goats by production stage, ensuring adequate bunk space, minimizing feed waste, and providing free‑choice goat‑specific minerals and constant access to clean water. Forage testing and veterinary guidance are encouraged to optimize feeding programs.