Goats eating concentrate from a feeding trough.
Source: Courtesy of Edie Grover, Wild Wind Farms, Wetumpka, Alabama.
http://www.egwildwind.com

When forages or browse are low in energy, 0.5-1.0 lb. shelled corn or whole cottonseed (WCS) can be used as energy concentrates. Whole cottonseed contains high levels of both protein (20 to 24 percent) and energy and requires no processing, which makes it a very desirable by-product feed. Most of the energy in WCS is from fat. Whole cottonseed also contains gossypol, a polyphenolic yellow pigment. My research indicated that WCS could have deleterious effects on male reproduction if consumed at higher than 15-20% of the diet (Solaiman, 2007)..

High protein feeds are alfalfa hay, alfalfa meal or cubes, and other high protein concentrates such as oil seed by-product meals (cottonseed, peanut, soybean, etc.) that may be more economical, especially for mixed rations. Corn gluten meal has a poor balance of amino acids, whereas fishmeal and heat-treated soybean meal provide a good and beneficial source of protein. Urea is a non-protein nitrogen (source of ammonia to the rumen microorganisms) that is efficiently used by microorganisms of the rumen during fermentation and protein synthesis. When used correctly in goat feeds, urea can provide an excellent cost effective source of N. Urea feeding should be limited to not more than 25 percent of required protein in the ration of milking does. Urea does not provide energy in the ration; therefore, it should be included only with adequate soluble carbohydrates. Its use with low quality forages is not recommended unless adequate time for adaptation and other sources of readily available energy, such as molasses, are provided. Also, it should not be included in the rations of young ruminants when the rumen is not fully functional.