Dairy goats have seen an uptick in interest in the past few years. As interest has grown, so has herd size. With increasing numbers of does on farms, some producers are looking at following suit with the cattle dairy industry and moving towards a total mixed ration (TMR) feeding program. The pros and cons for this type of program are similar to those seen with cattle. When done correctly, TMRs can be very successful, however, improper management can result in undesirable outcomes.

 

Remember…size your bunker silo correctly to ensure you are removing at least 6 inches from the face daily!

 

One challenge with goats in any feed management situation is their elite ability to sort feed. Goats are considered browsers, which means their eating habits include selecting for the most palatable and nutrient dense bites of plants, shrubs, weeds, etc. Their lips are very adept at maneuvering mixed feeds and selecting for the pieces that they deem the most pleasing to their tastebuds. However, the most delicious and the most nutritious bites are not necessarily one in the same. Being incredible sorters means that we need to work diligently to provide the most palatable and well-blended TMR possible. This begins before we reach the feed bunk.

 

The base of a good TMR begins with our fermented forages. Our silages need to be harvested, chopped, and stored appropriately to lay the groundwork for the rest of our TMR. Maintaining proper chop length, moisture, and plant maturity will be critical not only for proper fermentation to occur but also for adequate mixing as well. Silages with a chop length that is too long will likely ferment poorly and will also be sorted out by goats. A short chop length may increase the likelihood of rumen acidosis. Silage and haylage must also be stored properly and then fed in a large enough volume to keep it fresh. Being able to feed out enough silage per day is a major struggle for smaller herds trying to utilize this feeding style. Moldy silage should be avoided as small ruminants are susceptible to mycotoxins and can become ill.

 

Once we reach the mixer wagon our next challenge is to mix the TMR enough that it is a cohesive blend, but not so much that we end up reducing particle size. Small particle size in a TMR can increase the chance of acidosis. Goats need a high energy diet to keep up with the demands of milk production. Higher energy diets combined with small particle size is a recipe for disaster. Because of this, no more than 50% of the TMR on a dry basis should be made up of a grain mix.

 

With a properly mixed ration, we can then move on to proper bunk management. Before feeding, the bunk should be cleaned of any old/moldy feed. Once the feed is uniformly spread along the bunk, it should be regularly pushed up to ensure the goats have constant access to feed. In the summer, watch for heating at the bunk as it can indicate mold growth. Bunk stabilizers are available to mitigate this issue if necessary.

 

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Need more information on forage management?

Look for our Forage Management series at www.famofeeds.com

Overall, TMR feeding can be very successful in goats when properly managed. Make sure all feed sources are highly palatable and free from mold. Silage can be a great feed source if it is kept fresh with a minimum of 6 inches removed from the face daily. Proper chop length will be critical for both proper fermentation in the bunk and proper digestion in the rumen. A well-managed nutrition program combined with solid bunk management can make a TMR approach to feeding a highly effective practice.