Maximizing healthy production through the most cost-effective methods while maintaining optimal doe health and longevity in the herd.
Ensuring that the doe’s milk production climbs quickly and that she achieves peak milk during the dairy goat lactation cycle by feeding properly balanced rations formulated for each stage of lactation — which will also encourage higher and more efficient dry matter intakes.
Optimizing the inclusion of high-quality forages and ingredients produced on-farm to help minimize the cost of purchased feeds.
Enhancing the effectiveness of the diet — and, in turn, helping the doe reach her genetic potential — by supplementing it with additives that are backed by research and offer a high return on investment.
Developing feed-management protocols to help ensure precision in every aspect of production, including the consistency of the feed delivered, routine forage dry-matter analysis, the facing of forage piles and feed hygiene.
Common challenges:
Mycotoxins: The presence of mycotoxins in feedstuffs can significantly affect production potential and doe health if not properly addressed.
Forage quality: Poor forage quality and availability can limit ration formulation options and, in turn, lead to higher-cost rations.
Heat stress: If not properly mitigated, heat stress can have negative effects on both current and future production parameters by adversely impacting kids in utero in pregnant does.
Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms can lead to disease and have serious consequences. Some common pathogen challenges for dairy goats include:
Bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium, etc.)
Viruses (e.g., avian influenza, bronchitis, etc.)
Worms (e.g., roundworms)
Fungi (e.g., mycotoxins from molds)
Tips for maximizing health and performance:
Bunk and water space: Ensure that there is adequate bunk and water space so that all animals have access to the nutrients they need to achieve their intake goals.
High-quality forage: Strive to harvest high-quality forages in order to reduce your purchased feed costs and optimize your dry matter intakes.
Dry matter intakes: Encouraging high dry matter intakes by offering several meals per day will help maximize production, improve milk components and optimize the doe’s rumen and overall health.
Air ventilation: Good air ventilation is crucial for encouraging proper air flow and promoting the goats’ comfort.
Mitigating heat stress: Addressing potential heat stress concerns during the summer months will more than pay for itself over time by minimizing any potential decreases in intake, production and reproduction.
Vaccination protocols: Follow strict vaccination protocols in order to ensure optimal doe health at all times.
What’s important for dairy goats?