Energy Requirements for Goats

Goats require adequate nutrition for their growth and development. Their productivity rate depends on the amount of energy that they get through the diet. The milk production, fertility rate can all go down if they do not get the required amount of energy. They will more prone to diseases and infection if their energy demands are not met. Deficiency of important minerals, vitamins and proteins can take a toll on health of the goats.

The deficiency in energy can be attributed to two things. Either the quantity is not sufficient or the quality. Lack of nutrients due to any of the two reasons can delay the growth process of a goat. The kid goats will not grow at a normal rate and their teens will be postponed too.

The energy requirement of each goat depends on several factors like its age, body type, development and some other special conditions like pregnancy and lactation. Pregnant and lactating goats definitely need more energy. The other factors which influence the energy intake are the hair growth, the environment and also the amount of work each goat does. Nutrients should be given in balanced amount so that it leads to overall development.

The dietary intake can go up or down depending on certain climatic conditions of a place like humidity, sunshine and temperature. Energy requirements increase when the goat is under any kind of stress or is severely ill or malnourished.

Pashmina and Shearing mohair are two types of goats which have high energy requirements. This is because they decrease insulation and hence the energy demands shoot up especially in cold months. Goats need much more energy than sheep because they are more energetic and they also walk a lot. Food supply for goats is more on browse, pasture and elsewhere than for any other animal. Goats have the highest energy demand as far as the animals living in stable are concerned.

Goats are provided with a lot of roughage. Good quality roughage can give up to 2 Mcal of metabolic energy (ME) / kg dry matter or DM. It is used together with other food items to raise the energy level of the diet and make it around 3 Mcal ME per kilogram DM. Some baby goats are weaned early and they require a lot more energy than the normal kid goats. Increasing the ME levels in diet will definitely make it more beneficial for the goats. Those involved in dairy farms also need more energy.

Proper nutrition is important to maintain the efficacy of the goats. For that you need to watch their diet properly and make suitable changes in it if the nutritional value is not adequate. You must make an effort to provide your goats with wholesome diet!