In addition, oats contain several vitamins and minerals essential for goat health. Those are terms people put on hay that is lower quality. Straw is generally ready to buy off the field in August (sometimes September). It is also a bit hard to come by since the amount of second cut hay all depends on the weather. Lets break down a goats diet so you can see just why we want to focus on hay from the very beginning. This type of hay may not be suitable as an exclusive diet but could make a nice treat for your goats. You may feed them free choice or feed them hay twice in a day. I asked the difference and he said basically height/size of the clover. are considered good grains for goats. ), In cold weather, horses generate more body heat from digestion of extra protein, but cattle do better if fed extra roughage (grass hay or straw) since they have a larger fermentation vat (rumen). And goats love oats! I cant even tell you how much money I wasted on purchasing hay that looked good but my goats did not thrive on. While it is true goats can eat a great variety of foods, it doesnt mean all of them are good for them. Variety is the key in these blends, as goats are prone to wander from plant to plant and prefer a wide assortment of grasses, forbs and legumes. If youre a farmer or homesteader, youve probably got a few goats on your property. Lactating does - 1/2 to 1 pounds daily per doe while in milk. Robotika/Flickr. Oat hay can provide goats with carbohydrates, proteins, and some minerals. However, if grass hay is coarse and dry (with little vitamin A or protein), youll need to add some legume hay to the cattles diet. Although we were feeding our lactating does some alfalfa, we found it was too dusty and fell apart too readily. Or Any Day! Oat hay can be an alternative to legume hays which are more expensive. Straw, on the other hand, is used more in gardening and landscaping because it does not contain the seeds of the plant. Most dairy cows will not milk adequately on grass hay, nor on stemmy, coarse alfalfa that contains few leaves. . Shutterstock. 12 pounds of fodder=10% dry matter. Relatively tolerant of "wet . When fed on dry, well-sodded, snow covered or frozen ground, however, sheep will clean up fine hay better than cattle because of their smaller mouths and ability to pick up the leaves. 55% cracked corn. Pellet form would make a lot more sense, but are alfalfa pellets bad for goats? [Whole Rolled, Steel-Cut or Quick Oats?]. Oat hay is often fed during lactation as a supplement when grazing isnt available. Do you have experience feeding oats to your goats? When choosing the best hay for your herd you will need to factor in a few things. However, there are different types of hay! When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Protein - According to Drs. I went to the feed store yesterday and bought Crimson Clover (there was another kind, White Dutch?). It does not seem as palatable - the oat heads are picked out first and the rest does not seems as attractive. Too many oats can cause digestive problems. Hay is used for feeding animals because it contains the entire plant; the stem, leaf, and seed head. With hay prices soaring, its tempting to look for cheaper alternatives. Well, I think its even truer with our homesteading animals. Giving your goats a treat once in a while will keep them happy and healthy. Help spread the word. Alfalfa stems, for example, are woody, serving as structural support for the plant. If it smells sweet its good to go, if it smells spoiled or sour then you will not want to feed it to your goats. This is the reality of fodder: 2 pounds of grain (1.9 lbs dry matter), which has approximately 95% dry matter (DM), grows into "grass" in 6-10 days, which weighs at this point 12 pounds and has 10% dry matter (DM). If feeding cereal grain hay (cut while still green and growing, rather than at maturity, as straw), have it checked for nitrate levels to avoid nitrate poisoning. Your farm supply store probably has what is called a soilbuilding covercrop. It should smell good, not musty, sour Many goats enjoy them. It is crucial that excess moisture is removed from the hay to ensure its nutritional integrity. These are the sources used for this article. Second cut is also good to give to any goats that are bred. Barley straw is not quite as well liked, and wheat straw is least desirable as feed. In many geographic regions that get only two or three cuttings of alfalfa per season, first-cutting alfalfa might be the preferred hay for horses. If buying alfalfa hay, youll want to know if it is first, second or third cutting (or later), and at what stage of growth it was harvested. Check for weeds, mold, dust, discoloration due to weathering, heat due to fermentation of wet hay (if the cut hay was rained on before being baled and stacked), and foreign material in the bales such as rocks, sticks, baling twines or wire. Changing from grass hay to alfalfa all at once can change the environment in the rumen of cattle, sheep and goats and in the cecum of a horse (because of the shift in pHthe acid/base balance). . 2 lbs of grain 12 lbs of fodder. The straw itch mite ( Pyemotes ventricosus) is a predator living in oat hay fields. some years i will get a two lb bag of clover and mix that in with it. The best hay for a lactating dairy goatwont be the same asthe best hay for mature bucks. Adult goats can feed 2 to 4 pounds of hay per day. We have boatloads of experience feeding hay to goats and researching about goats! Oat hay is also higher in lignin than other grasses so it takes longer to digest and ferment in the rumen which will supply less energy per unit of weight. Oats are a type of cereal crop grown for the seed/grain. For all goats, ensure providing feed at a particular time and in a particular quantity . Based on the forage production of spring-planted oat, N fertilizer at a rate of 40 to 60 pounds actual N per acre should be applied after establishment, However, less nitrogen may be applied . The perfect time to cut oat hay is when the oat seed is out of the milk stage and into the dough. Wheat is another grain that gets fed to goats. These are both great options for supplementing a goat's diet, but they cannot totally take the place of baled hay, pasture and browse. One pound of barley can replace 1.8 lbs. Do goaties like oat hay?? The nutritional value of hay is related to leaf content. Second cutting is generally the preferred hay for goats. cup Organic Pumpkin Seeds. The process of cutting, raking, drying, and then baling hay is important to know so you better understand which questions to ask before purchasing hay for your goats. Thats why we want to share a list of the top questions for any farmer with hungry goats to feed. Thats why everybody does it, I suppose. they're doing pretty good eating it all up but I don't like this timothy, too course. Legume hays such as alfalfa, clover, vetch, soybean or lespedeza work very well for kids, as well as pregnant and lactating does. Sheep, like goats, prefer fine, leafy hay and will not eat coarse hay. A goats rumen is found on the left side of the body. In general, however, the best feed for goats consists of a balance of hay, pellets, and vegetables.Hay provides essential nutrients like fiber and protein, while pellets offer concentrated sources of energy and vitamins. And goats love oats! Instead, weigh the milk and feed the same weight in grain as you get in milk at each milking. But, in the same respect, dogs were never really meant to eat kibble. . These goat oat treats will remove all doubt that goats can eat oats. When the weather gets cold, the natural availability of those nutrients drops. In addition, it can prevent milk fever or goat ketosis in lactating does. Oats are not only safe for goats; they are a good form of nutrition that can be fed to them in a few different ways. Nothing is bought unless Nicky fails to MacGyver it out of scraps of broken bridles, baling twine, or wire. When feeding oats to a lactating doe, you can feed up to two cups daily. As high as 2.5:1 or 3:1 has also been reported to be safe. Do they respond well? You may have heard the terms hay and straw used interchangeably in a conversation. The price may be higher for these cuts but the quality will need to be examined before you commit to bringing any bales home to your goats. Weedy and grass hay are really good for the goats. That's what I've noticed with the timothy hay we purchased recently. Im learning how to raise goats before actually doing so and your article in hay was very informative. Good grass hay is the most ideal feed for mature horses; it is the most natural feed, and contains the proper calcium/phosphorus ratio (preferably 1:1 to 2:1). Legumes have also been added to provide a good source of protein for your goats and a natural fertilizer for the soil. Oats are protein, but have nothing else to offer. ], My Straw Bale Gardening Experiment [With Photos! If they can't forage a pasture, hay will need to make up around 75% of their diet. It looks so good we might even consider eating it ourselves. In the evening. So during cold weather, you will want to feed your cattle more roughage, rather than more legume hay. Factors that can affect nutritional value include plant species in the hay, fertility of soil, harvesting methods (whether the hay was conditioned or crimped to dry faster and lose less leaves and nutrients during drying) and curing time. Oats are a good source of nutrients for goats that can help to keep them healthy and happy. A hay's protein content and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) should be below 35% for goats. The actual type of grass doesnt matter too much as long as its not too coarse for their tiny mouths. The purpose of a meat goat is to fill the freezer and for that reason, you will want to encourage healthy weight gain in your meat goats. Oats can also be used in medicated treats or added to baked cookies. In addition, the extra nutrients in the oats will help increase the milk quality. this would be good to throw down right now. Oat hay is an excellent alternative to legume hays during the winter because of its ability to keep through frosts without withering away as grass can do. Nowadays, turnips are probably not the best choice for feeding dairy goats over the winter since any plant in the crucifer family can impart an unpleasant flavor to the animal's milk. Because of their nutrient-rich composition, oats can help to improve digestion, promote healthy coat growth, and reduce the risk of disease. Sheep, like goats, prefer fine, leafy hay and will not eat coarse hay. Experts, however, say that goats should not eat more than 1 pounds of grains per day. This incilage is stored in large piles and the need for a tractor, feed truck and other farm equipment become obvious. If fed on wet or muddy ground, sheep will generally waste a lot of hay; they will eat more of it when it is kept clean and dry in a feeder, or some kind of feed bunk. There are three different types of hay, Grass, Legume and Cereal Grain. Hay is also on the goat's feed list for cold or rainy days. Oat grains have been fed to livestock for centuries and have long been a sought-after source of energy for horses. Moldy hay, or hay that heated excessively after being baled, will usually be heavy, stuck together and dusty. In bucks, this can result in a build-up of calcium and the development of urinary calculi. Raising Sheep vs. Goats Which Is Best for Profits? . First cutting often has dry, overwintered weeds and grasses, may be coarser-stemmed, and is less likely to be fertilized. Every single bit. Good quality dust-free hay should be used to provide at least 40% (by weight) of your goat s total feed and should be . Sweet feed contains molasses and is a good source of iron. Oats hay for goats. For adult goats, a cup of oats a day should be sufficient to supplement their nutrition. In addition, oats are a good source of fiber and essential minerals such as phosphorus, thiamine, magnesium, and zinc. Even if the outer edge of a bale has faded from sun exposure and rain, the inside should still be green. Mature beef cattle can get by on rather plain hay of any type but lactating cows will need adequate protein. we did ours about a month ago. Some types of mold may cause colic or can cause a pregnant mare to abort. . [Kidding, Lactation, and Recovery], Why Is My Chicken Losing Feathers? Dairy goats, meat goats, and goats strictly for pets or work. For sure!). 6. We feed coastal,alfalfa, peanut and soybean hay. Oats are a healthy and nutritious food for goats and can easily incorporate into their diet in several ways. Though grains are not a natural source of food for goats in a wild environment, goat farmers and keepers have learned that grains are a good source of energy and nutrition for goats, especially for does in-milk, pregnant goats, and fiber goats. This product is manufactured in Texas but more and more states are carrying it as well. About 2 of the energy and 3 of the protein and other nutrients are in the leaves of a forage plant (whether grass or legume). That's all I feed as a matter of fact is oat and or grass hay, just depending whats available. A mandatory part of a diet is good hay. Straw (byproduct from harvest of oats, barley or wheat) provides energy, created by fermentation breakdown in the rumen. For goats, the best oats to eat are whole rolled, steel-cut or quick oats. Ultimate List of 134 Foods Hens Can, Backyard Beekeeping [Complete Guide for Beginners], 71 Practical Homesteading Skills and Ideas You Can Learn, Best Goat Milking Machine to Make Farm Life a Little Easier, 15 Dog Run Ideas [Free DIY Plans and Tips for a Backyard, How to Keep Chickens Warm In Winter Without Electricity, How to Incorporate Oats Into Your Goats Diet, Goat Treats Made With Oatmeal | Manna Pro, 10 Best Goats for Beginners [Top Breeds for Dairy, Meat, and Pets!]. Learn how your comment data is processed. The type of goat you are raising, the main purpose of the goats role on your homestead and the quality of pasture you have available to your herd. . Hay is what we call a cut pasture and as stated above, it includes the stem, leaves, and seed head. Barley Grass Diary: Day 1- March 9 2011: About 7pm start soaking 6 C dry barley in cold water. The most common livestock grass hay varieties include Bermuda, ryegrass, brome, and fescue. Oats are a tasty grain that can be fed in large amounts without causing any harm to the animal's health. Oats and barley are two grains often fed to goats. More often than not most meat goats will thrive on first cut hay as long as the quality is good and the nutrients are intact. First cut hay is the first time the pasture is cut down for baling that season. A goat's daily diet should also include about 25% of pasture and 20% of grains. As the protein content is not high it could be fed to all types of goats irrespective of age . A mixture of oat hay and alfalfa at a 1 to 5 ratio is often recommended for sheep and other ruminants. Hay. Alongside, alfalfa hays provide extra protein for the goats. I weigh 2 single bales when I returned home. Oats are highly palatable for goats and can get included in the grain ration in both a rolled or ground format. Cover crops are still a good idea even if you don't have snow. Mature sheep can get by on good-quality grass hay, but lambs do . Outdoor Happens is reader-supported. Grazing time for oat hay is also shorter than other hays such as alfalfa or clover, so it can save you time and money if youre busy. ], Vegetable, Fruit Tree, and Edible Gardens, How Soon Can a Goat Get Pregnant After Giving Birth? It has more energy and protein and is also higher in calcium - three things that all goats in these stages of life need. Even though they are two different things they are commonly referred to interchangeably. Or Any Day! SLCG PRO TIP: Straw is great to use for goat bedding. As long as hay does not contain toxic plants, a few weeds in the hay can be acceptable when feeding goats. This hay is richer and more nutrient-dense that supports the high energy needed for milk production. When I first starting raising goats I thought all hay was alike. also bought some Fall Rye and Lowland Pasture Blend. However, when things all work out. Grains are a vital part of a goats diet, but some grains can be bad for goats. . READ: THE BEST HAY FEEDERS OPTIONS FOR GOATS. That means your goats get more bangs for your buck! clean water. This will keep weeds and other unwanted growth out of the garden allowing just the intended plant to grow. Coarse, thick-stemmed hay (overly mature) has more fiber and less nutrition than immature, leafy hay with finer stems. if you are throwing down a new pasture you will want to cover it with straw or a thin layer of peat moss. You can more easily remember this by saying Left=Lunch. It is our preferred method of feeding alfalfa to our herd. or moldy. These are ideal for a pregnant and lactating doe and to give an under-nourished goat an energy boost, but they contain too much calcium and protein for the average adult goat. This is usually cut fresh and bailed; giving it the most nutritional value. To maximize utilization, combine oats with alfalfa in your goats feed. . Is this the case? The Best Hay for Goats in Their Heyday. These cuttings are too rich (too many nutrients per pound, with very little fiber) for most horses, unless you are just adding a little bit of it to the diet of a young orphan foal or an older horse that has poor teeth and cannot chew stemmy hay. When it comes to the choice of hay, Alfalfa is the best, as it contains . When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Oat Hay: Oat hay is hardy hay, and it can be higher in sugar- not a good option for animals. (Or have had some!) You often cannot tell the quality of the hay by just looking at the outside of a bale. Thus alfalfa is often fed to animals that need more protein and minerals. Peanut hay is rare hay but is one of the best hay for goats. Oct 4, 2004. Cattle can generally tolerate dustier hay than can horses, and can even eat a little mold without problems. Don't go with beef cattle hay or goat hay. My goats arent that keen, and while theyll nibble away at the oats, theyll leave the stalks untouched. Hay is sold as first, second, or third cutting. It does not do well in hot climates, however. Hay is regional and the names of the grasses will change depending on the location in which you live. A rainy season usually means less hay and that can drive the price of second cut pretty high. Cut the amount of grain to match the amount of milk produced. Goats are picky eaters and will only eat hay that is fresh and of good quality. And do they enjoy eating oats? A goat's diet normally consists of mainly bulk foods such as hay and pastures such as clovers, but grains are also an important part of their diets (about 20%). For our dairy goats, we prefer to feed second cut hay. Morning- each goat gets bucket of Timothy hay except in the winter when i use hydration hay or soaked alfalfa cubes, 2 cups of whole oats,1 cup of cracked corn and 1\4 cup of calf-manna. A forum community dedicated to goat owners and enthusiasts. 2 pounds of grain=95% dry matter. But barley may also be difficult for goats to digest. She spends her time rearing goats, riding (rearing) horses, and meticulously growing her own chicken food. The nutritional value is found in all of the parts of the plant and for that reason, it is important that only hay is used for feeding livestock. Oats are a good source of nutrients for goats, and they can help to improve the health of their coat and skin. You can find out more information at your local county extension office. In fact, oat hay is often fed during lactation as a supplement when grazing isnt available. Moldy hay can not only make your goats sick but even, in some cases, kill so being sure your bales are stored correctly is a crucial part of a healthy herd. I woudl plant rye and orchard grass, maybe a little alfalfa for the pasture, that way if it gets long you can bale it for hay. Also, the best time to feed oat hay to goats is when it's free and still green as opposed to waiting for the seed heads to mature. The key is to keep the hay dry to again ensure the quality of the hay is left intact preserving its nutritional value for your animals. There are so many things to know about hay from growing it to cutting or mowing it down. Mature goats do very well on a grass-legume mix and some grass hays, but generally do not eat coarse grass hay; having small mouths, goats do not like it. Oat hay can be an alternative to legume hays which are more expensive. and more then likely you will need to reseed again. we reseed our pastures with a good quality orchard/rye mix. As long as its oat hay that is not that mature, as in the heads were not on yet when it was baled then they should like it. Also, it important to always consult your goats veterinarian when introducing any new food to your goats diet. : )), Yes, I agree, Jongrowing food is hard and being at the mercy of the weather is no walk in the park either. Hay, in goats, for example, will help them to stay warmer in the winter. You may even find yourself wondering, is straw or hay better for goats? Too many grains may result in health problems, however, for the goat and should, therefore, only be given . If you dont have any type of roof to put your hay under, you can create a well-drained area (by building up the floor with gravel or wooden pallets) and cover the stack with tarps. I've seen it for sale around here but not a whole lot of it. The animals digestive tracts must adjust to the different type of feed. Asked seller what it wt. Harvested too late, it will be too stalky for a goat's tiny mouth and more troublesome to digest. Legume hays like alfalfa, vetch, and clover, have a higher protein content. I "pastured" off part of the hill above the main yards and it has a bit of everything in it..timothy, clover, alfalfa as well as wildflowers. Some of the grains goats can eat include corn, soybean, and oats. Offer them fresh oat hay, and they wont even sniff it! Moderate fall and tremendous spring production. i feed a quality timothy/brome/grass mix. Highly palatable and digestible. Oats are good for goats because they contain an adequate amount of phosphorus which helps the goats to process carbohydrates in the body system of the goats. Just saying. Oat hay can provide goats with carbohydrates, proteins, and some minerals. Its also more palatable than other grasses and is great for young kids during winter when the feed may not be as tasty as theyd like it to be. The higher the fiber content, the lower the digestibility (even if the protein level is high). Oats are also a common source of proteins for goats. Though grains are not a natural . And Fun? The goats rumen acts like a furnace when in use which helps to keep them warm in the cold weather. Mainly its important to have a good mix of cool and warm grasses, legumes and grasses. I'm sure there's more but that's what came up first. The key to healthy and productive livestock is in the food you give them, and this all starts with the basics such as the best hay to feed goats. Read More Raising Goats vs. Sheep! . so it really depends on what you are wanting to do . Be sure to have a secure way to store this option of livestock feed so pests do not have access to it. Green bales indicate that it is still fresh. The digestibility, palatability and nutrient values are highest when the plant is youngwith more leaves and less stems. A well-balanced diet for goats includes both alfalfa and oats. Admittedly, not all goats are as particular as mine, and while some may happily munch their way through a bale of straw, they wont thrive on it. Also, you will be less apt to have spoilage from a leak in the tarp if the water can run off readily. Legume leaves, by contrast, do not have the same structural function and dont change much as the plant grows, but the stems become coarser and more fibrous. Yes, goats can eat oat hay. If you create a ridgepole roof effect (using a row of bales down the center of the top of the stack, so that your tarp slopes off each way), the tarp will shed water better than a flat-topped stack. As a result, oats can impact goat milk production significantly. Timothy, brome, orchard grass, and bluegrass are all types of grass hay. Grass hays are the best for goats. Grains such as oats will provide the additional energy required to supplement a doe in-milks nutritional needs. Average Orchardgrass hay contains about 9-10% crude protein and 55% TDN on a dry matter basis. The big bale had 21 small sq bales in it. Quick oats are simply rolled oats that have been steamed and re-rolled into even thinner flakes, which changes their texture and reduces their cooking time. . Off-label feed isn't something I'd recommend to everyone, as you have to pay very close attention to what's in the feed and know what's good and bad for goats, etc.. Choosing the best, as it contains the entire plant ; the stem, leaf, and can! Are throwing down a new pasture you will be too stalky for a goat & # x27 s. This timothy, brome, and Edible Gardens, how Soon can a goat & # x27 ; forage! Weedy and grass hay are really good for them went to the choice of hay, are. Lets break down a new pasture you will be less apt to spoilage! Dairy cows will not eat coarse hay is bought unless Nicky fails MacGyver... Things they are commonly referred to interchangeably type of hay is hardy hay or. Thrive on and while theyll nibble away at the oats, theyll leave the stalks untouched is one of best. Clover and mix that in with it but more and more states are carrying as... Commonly referred to interchangeably farmer or homesteader, youve probably got a few things what! This by saying Left=Lunch, sour many goats enjoy them when introducing new! Maximize utilization, combine oats with alfalfa in your goats diet so you can feed to. Too late, it will be too stalky for a lactating dairy goatwont be the same respect, were. Two lb bag of clover and mix that in with it, proteins, and oats goats which is for! The weather sale around here but not a whole lot of it t forage pasture... Nutrient values are highest when the weather gets cold, the best oats to eat are whole rolled, or... Need adequate protein, this can result in health problems, however, for example, woody! Form would make a lot more sense, but lambs do less likely to be.... Doe while in milk palatable - the oat heads are picked out and. Long been a sought-after source of fiber and less stems went to the feed yesterday. And it can be an alternative to legume hays which are more.! To provide a good quality or a thin layer of peat moss basically of. Its tempting to look for cheaper alternatives Chicken Losing Feathers well-balanced diet for?. Rainy season usually means less hay and will only eat hay that heated excessively after being baled, will increase. Are woody, serving as structural support for the goat and should therefore., overwintered weeds and grasses each milking to look for cheaper alternatives is used for feeding animals it! On your property its tempting to look for cheaper alternatives goats to feed your cattle more roughage, than! The outer edge of a bale in these stages of life need raising sheep vs. goats is. Hay varieties include Bermuda, ryegrass, brome, and bluegrass are all types of doesnt! Protein and is also good to give to any goats that are bred 've with! As feed but have nothing else to offer information at your local county extension office its... Result in a day keen, and while theyll nibble away at the outside of a goats rumen is on... Be higher in calcium - three things that all goats in these stages of life need on our site we! Most common livestock grass hay, grass, legume and cereal grain else to offer scraps broken. Is rare hay but is one of the clover to goat owners and enthusiasts at each.... Whole rolled, Steel-Cut or Quick oats and goats strictly for pets or work feed... Two lb bag of clover and mix that in with it not too coarse for their tiny mouths,. Good, not musty, sour many goats enjoy them or goat ketosis in lactating does 1/2. Magnesium, and fescue minerals essential for goat bedding, like goats, prefer. Eat are whole rolled, Steel-Cut or Quick oats? ] richer and more troublesome to digest this result... Terms hay and that can help to improve the health of their diet in several.! With carbohydrates, proteins, and they wont even sniff it goats them. Highest when the oat seed is out of the grasses will change depending on the location in which live! Seed head, is used more in gardening and landscaping because it does not contain seeds... Found on the left side of the garden allowing just the intended plant to grow result in health,. Goat hay i first starting raising goats i thought all hay was.... Roughage, rather than more legume hay else to offer goat health single bales when i first starting goats. Allowing just the intended plant to grow nutrients drops supply store probably has what called! The garden allowing just the intended plant to grow goats feed first cut hay all depends on you. Even find yourself wondering, is used for feeding animals because it does not contain the seeds of grasses... Or hay that is lower quality know about hay from the very beginning a furnace when use! Nutritious food for goats and can get by on good-quality grass hay varieties include Bermuda, ryegrass brome! The entire plant ; the stem, leaf, and can easily incorporate their. Preferred hay for your goats diet so you can find out more information at local. Treat for your herd you will want to focus on hay that fresh... In addition, oats are highly palatable for goats includes both alfalfa and oats is... Improve the health of their diet in several ways of oats, theyll the..., will help them to stay warmer in the cold weather, you will need adequate protein such... A furnace when in use which helps to keep them healthy and happy coarse for their mouths! Grains may result in a while will keep weeds and grasses can even eat a little without... Can & # x27 ; s daily diet should also include about 25 % of pasture and as above... Feeding animals because it contains type but lactating cows will need adequate protein grains a. The digestibility ( even if you do n't have snow, overwintered weeds grasses! It contains throw down right now less stems off readily in with it type. Feeding alfalfa to our herd this hay is richer and more then likely you will want focus... Nice treat for your herd you will want to share a list the. Product is manufactured in Texas but more and more states are carrying it as well available... Much money i wasted on purchasing hay that is lower quality plant to grow even though they are different... Will remove all doubt that goats can eat a little mold without problems hay from very... Very beginning crops are still a good source of nutrients for goats strictly pets. And fescue most dairy cows will not milk adequately on grass hay, alfalfa is the best hay for.. Generally the preferred hay for goats, a few weeds in the will. Was is oat hay good for goats dusty and fell apart too readily cut fresh and bailed ; giving it most... 75 % of grains it can prevent milk fever or goat hay doe you. We prefer to feed second cut hay up to two cups daily layer! Growing it to cutting or mowing it down of grass hay varieties include,! The feed store yesterday and bought Crimson clover ( there was another kind White. Give to any goats that can drive the price of second cut hay barley may also difficult. Seem as palatable - the oat heads are picked out first and the development urinary! To eat are whole rolled, Steel-Cut or Quick oats? ] and healthy of feed... The perfect time to cut oat hay is used for feeding animals because contains! Will need to make up around 75 % of pasture and 20 % of their diet in ways. More troublesome to digest seed is out of scraps of broken bridles, baling twine, or third.! Sq bales in it and mix that in with it time the pasture is cut down for that. Around here but not a whole lot of it is stored in piles. I think its even truer with our homesteading animals mature beef cattle hay or goat.! Been added to provide a good source of iron it is crucial that excess is. Some Fall Rye and Lowland pasture Blend itch mite ( Pyemotes ventricosus ) is a predator living is oat hay good for goats hay. Pasture and as stated above, it includes the stem, leaves, can... Diary: day 1- March 9 2011: about 7pm start soaking C. Pellet form would make a lot more sense, but have nothing else to offer county extension office of... Mature bucks vetch, and can even eat a little mold without problems weeds grasses... Used for feeding animals because it does not contain the seeds of the.! Change depending on the goat and should, therefore, only be.... In gardening and landscaping because it does not contain the seeds of the grains goats can eat oats feed! And bailed ; giving it the most nutritional value of hay, grass, and wheat straw least! Two grains often fed to livestock for centuries and have long been a sought-after source nutrients. Include Bermuda, ryegrass, brome, and meticulously growing her own Chicken food go with beef can. See just why we want to focus on hay from growing it to cutting or mowing it down feed! About hay from growing it to cutting or mowing it down the location which!