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Feeders
The Importance of Choosing the Right Goat Feeder
In this Complete Goat Guide Course lesson, we dive into the essential aspects of goat feeder design and functionality. An effective feeder minimizes waste, keeps feed clean, and ensures goats can eat safely and comfortably without competition.
Key Takeaways:
Why Standard Feeders Fall Short:
- Goats Waste Feed:
- Without proper head holes, goats pull feed out, drop it, and never touch it again.
- Tray-style feeders or ground feeding lead to contamination and waste.
- Contamination Risks:
- Feed on the ground or in open feeders is easily soiled with poop and urine, increasing the risk of parasite reinfection.
- Alpha Goat Behavior:
- Linear feeders allow dominant goats to control access, chasing others away.
The Ideal Feeder Design:
- Head-Stall System:
- Requires goats to insert their heads through designated holes, reducing dropped feed.
- Keeps goats focused on eating instead of looking for trouble.
- Juvenile Exclusion:
- Crossboards prevent young goats from climbing into the feeder and soiling the feed.
- Weather Protection:
- Roofed feeders keep hay dry, preventing mold and spoilage.
- Ease of Cleaning:
- Tip-over design with grates at the bottom allows for easy removal of waste and chaff.
- Square Shape:
- Unlike linear feeders, square feeders allow multiple goats to eat simultaneously without crowding or competition.
Practical Tips for Feeding Goats:
- Always feed from outside the pen to prevent pushy goat behavior.
- Avoid round or square bale feeders unless designed to prevent waste, as up to 70% of the feed can be lost.
- Never feed directly on the ground to avoid contamination and reinfection with parasites.
How to Get This Feeder Design:
The custom feeder design, developed over a decade of trial and error, is available as a downloadable kit at packs.com for $20. The kit includes measurements and instructions for building feeders suitable for both horned and non-horned goats.
Conclusion:
A well-designed feeder significantly reduces waste, improves goat health, and makes feeding more efficient. By addressing key challenges such as contamination, waste, and dominance behaviors, this feeder system ensures your goats thrive while saving you time and money.
