Dairy Goats

Space Requirements

• Goats are browsers (like deer), not grazers (like cows) — they prefer brush, weeds, shrubs, and tree bark over grass
• 15–25 sq ft per goat inside a covered shelter; at least 30 sq ft per goat in the exercise yard
• Fencing must be goat-proof: 4-foot minimum height of woven wire, with electric wire at nose and back height to prevent climbing and stretching

Diet

• Good quality grass hay free-choice at all times (orchard grass or timothy for dry does; alfalfa for lactating milking does)
• Browse: weeds, leaves, brambles, bark — goats are nature's land managers
• Critical Mineral: Goats have very high copper requirements — use goat-specific loose minerals, never cattle minerals (too low in copper, causing anemia and poor coat)
• Grain (rolled barley, oats) only for milking does, in direct proportion to milk production (too much grain = enterotoxemia)

Water

• Goats are notoriously picky — they will refuse water if there is even a speck of dirt, leaf, or algae in it
• Scrub water buckets daily; use automatic waterers if possible
• 1–3 gallons per goat per day; lactating does need 3–5 gallons

Shelter

• Goats hate rain and dampness — they will stand in the freezing cold but refuse to get wet
• A totally dry, draft-free barn or three-sided shelter is essential
• Deep straw bedding changed frequently to prevent hoof rot from moisture and ammonia

Health & Routine Care

• Hoof trimming: Every 6–8 weeks — overgrown hooves cause lameness and joint damage
• FAMACHA scoring: Monthly check of inner eyelid color to detect barber pole worm (Haemonchus) — the primary parasite threat to goats
• CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) testing annually for closed herds; pasturize colostrum for kids of untested does
• Annual CDT vaccination (Clostridium perfringens types C & D + Tetanus) for all goats