Forages and Hay Supplementation by Karla Blackstock
Choosing forages and hay for the winter can be a difficult task for some producers. There are a number of choices in any region of the country, which can be confusing. Let’s first cover the basics. There are cool-season and warm-season forages, many of which can be grazed, foraged or browsed. There are also many others that are often harvested for hay or silage, including some perineals and annuals. For a partial list of forages, turn to pg 19. The forage species utilized will have a large impact on the nutritional value of the hay and/or crop. When choosing a plant species, consider the nutrient value as well as the nutrient requirements of the goats. “Cool-season annuals, such as rye grass, oats, wheat and barley, are typically higher in nutrient value,” said Associate
10 16 -- The The Boer Boer Goat Goat
Professor & Extension Forage Specialist Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Ph.D. “Annuals will be higher in quality than perineals.” When choosing a forage species for a pasture situation, the first considerations need to be geographic location, soil type and annual rainfall. Past that, Corriher-Olson said nutrient value and requirements should be considered. “Animals that are actively growing or supporting kids will require forage and/or hay that is higher in nutrients,” Corriher-Olson said. “The stage of production and management style should dictate forage decisions much like any other feeding decision.” Corriher-Olson went on to say that producers should look at their overall production goats and determine when animals will require more nutrition.
