Goat Training Introduction to Raising Goats Goats can

Goat Training

Introduction to Raising Goats • Goats can be raised for both milk and meat • Goats should have horn buds cauterized as soon as they begin to show (~2 weeks of age) • Goats are social creatures and enjoy companionship, so if possible plan to start out with at least two 2

More About Meat Goats • As of 2010, goat made up about 6 percent of red meat consumption worldwide. • Breeds include: Boer, Kiko, Tennessee Meat Goat, Genemaster, Texmaster, Savanna, Spanish 3

More About Milk Goats • On a world wide basis, more people consume goat milk than cow milk • Each Doe averages 3 quarts/day of production during the 10 month lactation • Milking is easiest if the goats are fed during the process • There are 6 primary breeds for milk goats: • Alpines, Oberhaslis, Saanens, Toggenburgs, La. Manchas and Nubians 4

Maintenance and Housing • Goats need about 15 square feet of living space • Goats are browsers not grazers • Simple housing that has ventilation but is draft free is adequate for goats 5

It all starts with genetics!

Animal Selection Criteria to Consider – In Order of Importance 1. Structural Soundness and Skeletal Correctness 2. Muscle and Volume 3. Balance and Correctness 4. Style and Eye appeal

Nutrition 101

What is Nutrition? “the science of transforming food into body tissues and activities”

Why is Nutrition Important? Without proper nutrition animals are NOT healthy and CANNOT produce: Meat Eggs Milk Fiber Banners

6 Key Nutrients 1. Water 2. Protein 3. Carbohydrates 4. Fats 5. Vitamins 6. Minerals

Nutrition • Each animal will eat about 4 pounds a day, or close to 1, 500 pounds per year • Hay should always be available • Because goats are ruminants, water should be available at all times • Grain or a commercially prepared ration (concentrate) should be used as a dietary supplement • Needed by pregnant or nursing does, milk goats, or all goats if hay supply is low • One or two pounds of concentrate/day should be sufficient • Dietary needs can vary from season to season 13

All Species Feeding Tips • Fresh Feed Daily • Ample Supply of Fresh Water • Essential for maximizing weight gains • If water isn’t available, they wont eat. • Feed Show Animals Individually. • Mix the feed so they don’t have the opportunity to be picky • Simulate feeding and watering as if you were at a show so you can ensure they will eat once at the show. • Weigh your animals!

Feed Forms

Nutrena Show Edge Simply successful. It’s all about that moment, standing at the backdrop, posing with your prize-wining animal. As your family and friends beam with pride for success, you know all the early mornings, late nights and hard work was worth it. At Nutrena, we know exactly how good nutrition works and how important it is. We are behind you every step of the way with a simple program that gives you the edge in the show ring. We’ve got your animal’s nutrition covered so you can focus on what it takes to be a winner.

What Does Show Edge Offer? 40 lb bags: Complete Feeds • Show Calf Feed • Show Pig Feed • Show Lamb Feed • Show Goat Feed 20 lb bags: Supplements (special order) • Sweepstakes Pig Supplement (bag with handles) • Full N Fresh Supplement (all species, bag with handles) • Power Phat Supplement (all species)

Power PHAT Supplement Suitable for Calf, Pig, Sheep and Goat • A fat supplement designed to promote consumption and support bloom, skin and hair health. Provides additional energy and added finish. Key Points: • Extruded nuggets for high-energy and high-fat nutrition to support skin and hair health for the show ring • Ingredients include flax and beet pulp as well as Omega-3, vitamin E for added skin and haircoat support 12. 0% 8. 0% 25. 0% Crude Protein Crude Fiber Crude Fat

Full N Fresh Supplement Suitable for Calf, Pig, Sheep and Goat • A supplement that uniquely combines high-fiber roughage ingredients to achieve the desired look for today’s show ring or be used during a holding period for extra fill and fresh look. Key Points: • Supports healthy body condition when feed intake is limited. • High fiber roughage supports gut fill 12. 0% 20. 0% 4. 0% Crude Protein Crude Fiber Crude Fat

Goat Training