Nutrition

The goats are being rotationally grazed through the 8 acre pasture.  The forages present are tall fescue (endophyte infected) and red clover.  The animals are moved when approximately 50% of the forage dry matter has been consumed, which is about every 5 to 7 days.  The herd typically grazes .25 to .33 acres at a time. This system allows for plant rest and restoration which results in more production forage growth. This system also aids in internal parasite control as it takes several weeks to complete a full rotation through the entire pasture.

The doelings are also being supplemented with soybean hull feed at the rate of 1/2 lb per head per day. They are also given unlimited access to mineral feeders containing Land O' Lake goat mineral mix.  Because of their age, and the fact that they will be bred to kid at 12 to 4 months of age, the supplementation to the forage will allow them to grow faster.

Cost per ton of soybean hulls:$99.00

The goats and the feeder out of which they are fed the soy hulls.

The homemade mineral feeder and the forage in the pasture.

The project is a cooperative effort between Purdue University and the University of Kentucky.