We recommend you provide a diet that is high in fiber and protein to your Nigerian dwarf goats during winter because this diet combination helps the goats to easily maintain perfect health condition and also maintain their body.
Here are some suggestions for feeding Nigerian Dwarf goats in winter:
Hay: Hay is a vital component of a goat’s diet and it is necessary you include them in your goat’s diet menu during winter. All you should do is to ensure you Offer your goats good quality grass hay an example of such is Timothy, orchard grass, or alfalfa hay. To me i consider Alfalfa hay number one my list because it is more nutrient-dense.
Grain: in addition to Hay, you can also provide Grain to your Nigerian Dwarf goats to supplement their diet during winter. This doesn’t mean that the grain should be in larger amounts.i prefer offering it in smaller amount in the morning to them.
Fresh water: for a healthy Nigerian Dwarf goats, you need to provide them access to fresh and clean water to them as this will aid the digestion of the hay and grains you served them. Hope you know that water source do freeze during winter? Your job is to make sure that this doesn’t happen else your goat suffers.
Treats: Nigerian Dwarf goats are known to love treats, so we recommend that you do your best to offer them this occasionally. It’s just for you to make them happy and also entertained. In addition to the previous foods alternative we recommended you can as well Offer them fruits like apples, pears, and bananas, or vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
Mineral supplements: all goats breed need mineral supplements, experts says that this helps goat maintain their health, most especially during winter. So we recommend you provide mineral supplements your
Nigerian Dwarf goats as well.
And this should be a free-choice mineral supplement formulated for goats.
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How much grain should I feed my Nigerian dwarf goat?
Actually the amount of grain you are to feed a Nigerian Dwarf goat will depends on the goat’s age, how big the goat is- it weight, and also the overall health of the goat should be considered before deciding the quantity of grain it will consume.
But based on general guidance put in place by expert, it is recommended that an average adult Nigerian dwarf goat should be given 1/4 to 1/2 cup of grain per day for 25 pounds of body weight.
While we recommend that your goat should be given grains, this doesn’t mean that it should eat only grain all through the day. In addition to grain, hay should be provided, also grass and mineral supplements should be provided to make their diet balanced.
Please don’t forget to provide fresh water to aid digestion.
But if you decide to make their meal 100% grain then your goat is likely to face health problems such as digestive problems, obesity and other health problems.
How much hay to feed Nigerian Dwarf goats
In addition to grain, it is important you also provide hay to constitute a portion of the goat’s diet. Now you might ask what amount of hay should my Nigerian dwarf goat consume?
Well, before deciding The amount of hay to feed Nigerian Dwarf goats, you should first consider the goat’s age, weight and also their activity level also determine the quantity they will feed on. Lastly you will also consider your goat situation, are they pregnant or lactating?
Lets take a look at the general rule of thumb for an adult Nigerian dwarf goat, expert recommends a Nigerian dwarf goat to at least consume 2-4 pounds of hay per day. Please remember that this us for an adult Nigerian dwarf goat. Also you should be aware that a pregnant goat or a lactating Nigerian dwarf goat is expected to consume much hay while on the other hand a baby goat will only eat less hay and will increase the quantity as they grow.
Not to complicate things for your goat, you are expected to provide other sources of food like grain and mineral for your goat, this will help your goat eat a balanced meal. Lastly always provide fresh water.
What fruits can Nigerian Dwarf goats eat?
Nigeria dwarf goats can comfortably eat fruits. In fact Fruits can serve as a treats or supplements to Nigerian dwarf goats and they can eat a variety of them.
However, you are to limit the amount of fruits given to goats, this should be in moderation. So let’s list some fruits you can give to your Nigerian dwarf goat:
- Apples – Remove the seeds and core before feeding.
- Bananas – Peel the banana before feeding.
- Blueberries – These can be fed fresh or frozen.
- Grapes – Remove the seeds before feeding.
- Kiwi – Remove the skin before feeding.
- Mango – Remove the skin and pit before feeding.
- Oranges – Remove the peel and separate the segments before feeding.
- Papaya – Remove the skin and seeds before feeding.
- Pineapple – Remove the skin and core before feeding.
- Strawberries – These can be fed fresh or frozen.
What not to feed Nigerian dwarf goat
Here are some foods that you should avoid feeding to Nigerian Dwarf goats:
Foods high in sugar: just know that food that are high in protein can lead to excessive weight gain and Nigerian Dwarf goats are prone to obesity.
Plants toxic to goats: there are plants that can actually cause problems or death to your goat. Plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, lilies.. All this are toxic.
Moldy or spoiled feed: avoid giving your Nigerian dwarf goats Moldy or spoiled feed because this are harmful to their health.
Foods high in starch: another food to be mindful of are foods high in starch because they are known to just disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in a goat’s rumen.
Processed foods: please don’t give your Nigerian dwarf goats processed food else they can develop digestive problems.
Avocado: avoid avocado, your Nigerian dwarf goat should not eat The fruit, leaves, and bark because it all contains toxic persin.
Chocolate: Chocolate is known to contains theobromine, and simply put theobromine is toxic to goats.
Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic contain compounds that can cause anemia in goats if fed in large quantities.
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