Nutrients in feed are divided into six classes: protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals and water. Carbohydrates and fats provide energy. Protein is a source of nitrogen that is required by the body for muscle growth, milk production, disease resistance, reproduction and body maintenance. Protein is the most expensive part of the ration and usually it varies between 12-16% of ration dry matter depending on two major factors: (1) physiological stage of the animal (pregnant, lactating, growing) and (2) forage quality. Urea and other non-protein nitrogen can be utilized by the microorganism of the rumen to produce microbial protein, which is a source of nitrogen for the host animal.
Energy requirements of ruminants mostly come from the fermentation of fibrous carbohydrates in the rumen and the rest comes from starch and fats. Energy is measured by total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestible energy (DE) and net energy (NE) system. TDN accounts only for loss of energy in feces whereas net energy accounts for energy lost in feces, urine, gases, and the work of digestion. Energy is required for maintenance, growth, production and reproduction.
Vitamins are very important nutrients in the diet. All of the vitamin B complex and vitamin K are produced in the rumen, and the body manufactures vitamin C. Therefore, only vitamins A, D and E are of concern in ruminant nutrition and should be supplemented in the ration.
Minerals of major concern are calcium, phosphorus and sodium chloride (salt). It is recommended that these minerals be mixed with the concentrate mix. The calcium to phosphorus ratio in the ration should be kept at 2:1. A good mineral mix will contain equal parts of salt and dicalcium phosphate. Trace mineralized salt may be used for trace mineral supplementation at .5% of grain mix. Certain trace minerals such as copper and selenium should be supplemented not only for their nutritional contributions to the animal, but also for enhancing the immune system in goats. For a more detailed discussion, see the section on copper and selenium.
Water supply is critical for livestock, either in confinements or on pasture. Clean water should be available in each pen indoors or on each paddock or pasture outdoors. The water intake of goats may vary depending on the season of the year or ambient temperature. Goats, like other livestock, require more water during the warm season compared to other times of the year. The average daily intake varies between 1.5 to 2 gallons, and it may increase to 2 to 3 gallons in hot weather.
While in the pasture, the water source should be located ideally within 700 to 900 feet walking distance for goats. Drinking water provided through surface water sources such as ponds and creeks should be free from bacteria and pesticides (cropland runoff) that are potential hazards for goats. The water quality of wells and springs can also be a problem due to cross contamination with bacteria and nitrates from septic tanks and milk house wastewater. Good, clean water should be provided to the animals at all times.
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