Most ruminants are either grazers or browsers based on the vegetation they prefer to eat.  Grazers, such as cattle, sheep, and alpacas, prefer to eat grass.  Browsers, such as llamas, deer, and goats, prefer to eat brush.

Like deer, goat do best contained in an area with succulent brushy forage and small trees.  Once they have browsed the available brush forage they will graze pasture also.  They should be excluded from your ornamental plants since they will devour your favorite rose or fruit tree with zeal!  During the winter when forage is limited goats should be supplemented hay free choice.

As a Rule of Thumb, goats should not be fed any grain supplements.  Exceptions to this rule should be prescribed by a veterinarian because improper supplementation can cause serious illness and death.  For Example, feeding grain to male goats directly causes bladder stone formation which can only be corrected by an extensive surgery.

Cattle Nutrition  ::  Goat Nutrition  ::  Goats as Pets