Learn goat feed and nutrition in detail. Complete guide on goat feed types, green fodder, dry fodder, concentrate feed, age-wise feeding chart, mineral mixture, and low-cost goat feed formula for maximum profit.
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Goat Feed & Nutrition: Complete Guide to Maximize Profit in Goat Farming
Goat feed and nutrition is the single biggest profit driver in commercial goat farming. Around 60–65% of the total cost of goat farming comes from feeding alone. Farmers who manage feed scientifically earn higher body weight, better milk yield, strong reproduction, and lower disease losses. Farmers who ignore nutrition struggle even with good breeds.
This article explains goat feed and nutrition in complete detail, including feed types, green fodder, dry fodder, concentrate feed, age-wise feeding chart, mineral supplements, and a low-cost feed formula. This is a practical, field-tested guide written for profitable goat farming.
Why Goat Feed & Nutrition Is the #1 Profit Driver
Feed directly affects growth rate, milk production, fertility, immunity, and market value of goats. Proper feeding leads to faster weight gain, early maturity, higher kid survival, and lower veterinary expenses. Poor feeding results in slow growth, infertility, weak kids, and financial losses.
In goat farming, breed shows potential, but feed decides actual performance. Profitability depends on feeding balance, not expensive inputs.
Goat Feed Types Explained
Goat feed is divided into three major categories. Each category plays a specific role in digestion and productivity.
Green Fodder
Green fodder provides energy, moisture, vitamins, and improves digestion. It forms the foundation of goat feeding and reduces concentrate cost.
Dry Fodder
Dry fodder supplies fiber required for rumen function. It prevents acidity, improves chewing activity, and maintains digestive health.
Concentrate Feed
Concentrate feed supplies protein, energy, and minerals required for fast growth, milk production, and pregnancy support.
A profitable feeding system balances all three types instead of relying on only one.
Green Fodder for Goats
Green fodder should make up 40–60% of the daily feed intake of goats.
Best Green Fodder Crops for Goats
Hybrid Napier, Berseem, Lucerne, maize fodder, cowpea, subabul leaves, hedge lucerne, and guar fodder are excellent choices.
Quantity of Green Fodder
Adult goats require 3–5 kg of green fodder per day. Pregnant and lactating goats require 4–5 kg per day. Growing kids between 3 and 6 months need 1–2 kg per day.
Growing fodder on your own farm significantly reduces feeding cost and improves profit margins.
Dry Fodder for Goats
Dry fodder is essential for rumen health and should never be skipped.
Common Dry Fodder Options
Wheat straw, paddy straw, jowar straw, bajra straw, and dry maize stalks are commonly used.
Quantity of Dry Fodder
Adult goats need 1–1.5 kg of dry fodder per day. Kids require 0.3–0.5 kg per day.
Dry fodder must be clean, free from mold, and preferably chopped for better intake.
Concentrate Feed for Goats
Concentrate feed is responsible for rapid growth and high milk yield. It should be used strategically, not blindly.
When Concentrate Feed Is Necessary
Concentrate is essential for growing kids, pregnant goats in the last two months, lactating goats, stall-fed systems, and commercial meat production units.
Common Concentrate Ingredients
Maize, broken maize, wheat bran, rice bran, groundnut cake, soybean cake, mustard cake, and pulse chuni are commonly used.
Protein Requirement
Growing goats require 16–18% protein. Lactating goats require 18–20% protein. Excess concentrate increases cost and causes digestive problems, so precision feeding is critical.
Goat Feeding Chart (Age-Wise)
Kids from birth to 3 months should be fed only mother’s milk. Creep feed can be introduced after 15–20 days.
Growers between 3 and 6 months require 1–2 kg green fodder, 0.3–0.5 kg dry fodder, and 100–150 grams of concentrate per day.
Adult goats require 3–4 kg green fodder, 1 kg dry fodder, and 150–200 grams of concentrate per day.
Pregnant goats during the last two months require 4–5 kg green fodder, 1–1.2 kg dry fodder, and 250–300 grams of concentrate per day.
Lactating goats require 5 kg green fodder, 1.5 kg dry fodder, and 300–400 grams of concentrate per day.
Proper feeding during pregnancy directly affects kid weight and survival rate.
Mineral Mixture & Supplements for Goats
Mineral deficiency is one of the most common reasons for poor performance in goat farming.
Benefits of Mineral Supplementation
Mineral mixtures improve growth rate, fertility, milk yield, immunity, hoof health, and coat quality.
Essential Supplements
Mineral mixture, common salt, and clean drinking water must be provided daily.
Recommended Dosage
Adult goats require 10–15 grams of mineral mixture per day. Pregnant and lactating goats require 15–20 grams per day.
Skipping minerals may save small costs but leads to major long-term losses.
Low-Cost Goat Feed Formula
Homemade Concentrate Feed Formula (16–18% Protein)
Maize or broken maize – 30 kg
Wheat bran – 25 kg
Rice bran – 20 kg
Groundnut cake – 20 kg
Mineral mixture – 2 kg
Salt – 1 kg
This homemade feed is 20–30% cheaper than branded feed and provides similar growth results when mixed properly.
Grind all ingredients, mix uniformly, and store in a dry place.
Common Feeding Mistakes and Best Practices
Common mistakes include feeding only grass, ignoring mineral mixture, overfeeding concentrate, feeding the same ration to all age groups, and using poor-quality fodder.
Best practices include age-wise feeding, balanced ration planning, daily mineral supplementation, seasonal fodder management, and continuous access to clean water.
Final Verdict on Goat Feed & Nutrition
Goat farming profit depends more on feeding management than breed selection. Farmers who follow scientific feeding achieve faster turnover, better market prices, lower mortality, and stable income.
In goat farming, feed is not an expense. Feed is a controllable investment with guaranteed returns when managed correctly.
FAQs
1. What is the best feed for goats?
A balanced diet of green fodder, dry fodder, concentrate feed, and mineral mixture is best for healthy growth and profit.
2. How much feed does a goat need daily?
An adult goat needs 3–5 kg green fodder, 1–1.5 kg dry fodder, and 150–200 g concentrate per day.
3. Is concentrate feed necessary for goats?
Yes, concentrate feed is essential for fast growth, pregnancy, and higher milk production.
4. Which green fodder is best for goats?
Hybrid Napier, Berseem, Lucerne, maize fodder, and cowpea are best for goats in India.
5. How much mineral mixture should goats get daily?
Adult goats need 10–15 g, while pregnant and lactating goats need 15–20 g per day.
