When it comes to raising healthy goats, what you feed them is just as important as how you care for them. Nutritional needs vary from goat to goat, and sometimes even from day to day. So, how do you know if you’re giving your goats the best possible care?
One common question that goat owners have is whether or not calf milk replacer is appropriate for goats. After all, both calves and goats are technically ruminants, so shouldn’t their nutritional needs be similar? The simple answer is yes, you can. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you do choose to feed calf milk replacer to your goats.
Let’s take a closer look at the issue.
Feeding your goats
One of the most important things to keep in mind if you choose to feed calf milk replacer to your goats is that it is very high in lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk that can be difficult for goats to digest.
As a result, feeding too much calf milk replacer to your goats could lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. If you do choose to feed calf milk replacer to your goats, be sure to do so in moderation and always offer plenty of fresh water for them to drink.
Another thing to consider is that most commercial brands of calf milk replacer are not fortified with selenium.
Selenium is an important mineral for goats that helps prevent health problems like white muscle disease. Because of this, it’s important to supplement any goats being fed calf milk replacer with selenium on a regular basis. Your veterinarian can help you determine how much selenium supplementation your goats will need.
Is Calf Milk Replacer Appropriate for Goats?
So, what does all of this mean for calf milk replacer? Is it appropriate for feeding goats? The answer is maybe. If you’re feeding your Goat milk replacer designed for calves, be sure to pay close attention to the ingredients list.
You’ll want to avoid anything that is too high in fat or fiber. You also need to make sure that you pay close attention to your goat’s weight and appetite; if she starts losing weight or doesn’t seem interested in her food, she may not be getting enough calories from the replacer.
If you’re feeding calf milk replacer to your goats, it’s important that you work closely with your veterinarian to make sure that they are receiving all of the nutrients they need.
If your goats aren’t able to tolerate calf milk replacer or you prefer not to feed it, there are other alternatives available. For example, you can mix your own goat milk replacer with powdered goat milk and other ingredients like corn syrup or oatmeal. Or, you could also choose to feed your goats a commercial goat milk replacer formula instead.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not a calf milk replacer is appropriate for goats depends on a variety of factors, such as the health and nutritional needs of your specific goats. Some goats can tolerate it well, while others experience stomach upset or diarrhea when fed large amounts of it.
So, if you’re considering feeding goat milk replacer to your goats, be sure to talk to your veterinarian for expert advice.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to deciding whether or not to feed your goat calf milk replacer, there’s no simple answer. It depends on a variety of factors including your goat’s individual nutritional needs and appetite, as well as the ingredients in the replacer itself.
Pay close attention to how your goat looks and feels after switching her over to replacer; if she starts losing weight or doesn’t seem interested in her food, Replacing her regular milk with replacer may not be the best option.
Be sure to offer plenty of fresh water and use moderate amounts of calf milk replacer, as it is high in lactose and can cause stomach upset in goats. Following these guidelines will help ensure that feeding calf milk replacer to your goats is safe and effective.
