Herd Nutrition
One of the most frequent questions we receive is how we feed our herd. For us, everything starts with the health of the herd. We know that if we want great milk and strong, bouncy kids, we have to put the very best into them first.
The Foundation
The bulk of our goats' diet mimics their natural needs:
Fresh Browse: Plenty of time spent foraging for diverse nutrients in a natural and spacious pasture setting.
High-Quality Hay: We use locally sourced straight alfalfa and our own homegrown grass/clover mix hay.
Hydration & Minerals: Our goats have 24/7 access to fresh water and premium loose minerals to ensure they stay balanced year-round.
For Our Does
To keep up with the demands of lactation, we give our does a specialized mix designed just for them.
Custom 16% Feed Mix: Formulated specifically for us by a nutritionist to ensure our lactating does have the exact protein and energy levels they need.
Generator Elite DFM: This is a direct-fed microbial (probiotic) that supports the rumen. By providing beneficial yeast and bacteria, it helps our does maintain a healthy pH and strong appetite during hot weather, kidding season, or ration changes.
For Our Bucks
In addition to their browse and hay, our bucks get a small amount of soaked Purina Equine Senior. We choose this specifically because it’s a complete feed with highly bio-available nutrition and a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. For the boys, that balance is critical for preventing urinary calculi (stones) and keeping them in peak condition year-round.
For Our Kids
Because our kids are bottle-raised, we prioritize their digestive health from day one. We add Pro Bac C to their bottles until weaning for these reasons:
- Coccidiostat: Our first line of defense in preventing coccidiosis before it can even start.
Gut Integrity: Since 90% of nutrient absorption happens in the small intestine, we use this water-soluble supplement to create a healthy environment where beneficial bacteria thrive.
Immune Support: It provides a concentrated boost of vitamins (A, D3, E, and B12) and probiotics to help them stay resilient against common environmental pathogens.