Baby Goat Food: What to Feed Newborn and Young Goats – An Expert Guide

Baby Goat Food: What to Feed Newborn and Young Goats

For newborn and young goats, the absolute priority is colostrum within the first 12-24 hours. After that, either dam’s milk or a high-quality goat milk replacer is essential. As they grow, gradually introduce fresh water, quality hay, and a specialized goat starter grain, ensuring a slow transition to solid foods.

Bringing new baby goats into the world, whether through birth on your farm or by acquiring them, is an exciting time. However, a common question quickly arises: what exactly should you feed these tiny, energetic creatures? The diet of newborn and young goats is vastly different from that of adult goats, and getting it right is crucial for their survival, health, and long-term development. Many new goat owners feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice or simply don’t know where to start. Rest assured, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every stage of feeding your baby goats, from their very first hours to their transition to a more mature diet, ensuring they grow into strong, healthy animals.

The First Hours: Colostrum is King

The single most important feeding a newborn goat will receive is colostrum. This “first milk” is produced by the mother goat (dam) immediately after kidding. It’s not just milk; it’s a powerhouse of antibodies, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that provide vital passive immunity and energy, protecting the kid from diseases during its vulnerable first weeks of life.

Why Colostrum is Non-Negotiable

Immunity Boost: Kids are born without a developed immune system. Colostrum contains maternal antibodies that are absorbed through the gut wall, providing immediate protection against common pathogens in their environment.
Energy and Nutrition: It’s highly concentrated with energy, protein, and essential nutrients, crucial for kick-starting the kid’s metabolism and growth.
Laxative Effect: Colostrum helps the kid pass its first stool (meconium), clearing its digestive tract.

Timing and Quantity

A newborn kid needs to consume colostrum within the first 1-2 hours of birth. The absorption of antibodies decreases significantly after 12-24 hours, making this window critical. Aim for approximately 10% of the kid’s body weight in colostrum within the first 24 hours, divided into several feedings. For example, a 7-pound kid needs about 11 ounces (330 ml) of colostrum in its first day.

What if the Dam Can’t or Won’t Provide Colostrum?

Sometimes, the mother goat may reject her kid, not produce enough colostrum, or pass away. In these situations, you must provide an alternative source immediately:

Frozen Goat Colostrum: If you have access to frozen colostrum from another healthy, disease-free goat (ideally from your own herd), this is the next best option. Thaw it slowly in warm water (do not microwave).
Commercial Colostrum Replacer: Purchase a high-quality commercial colostrum replacer specifically formulated for goats. Be careful not to confuse replacers with supplements; replacers are designed to provide the full antibody load, while supplements only provide nutritional support.
Cow Colostrum: In a pinch, colostrum from a healthy cow can be used, but it’s not ideal as the antibody types are different. However, some protection is better than none.

Always ensure the colostrum is warm (body temperature) when feeding. For more detailed information on colostrum management, resources like the Merck Veterinary Manual on Neonatal Diarrhea in Ruminants offer valuable insights into preventing early-life illnesses through proper nutrition.

Milk Feeding: Dam’s Milk vs. Milk Replacer

After the critical colostrum period, the primary diet for young goats will be milk. You have two main options: allowing the kid to nurse from its mother or bottle-feeding with a milk replacer.

Dam’s Milk (Natural Rearing)

Pros:

Ideal Nutrition: Mother’s milk is perfectly balanced for the kid’s needs, containing all necessary nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors.
Convenience: Less work for the owner once the kid is nursing well.
Behavioral Benefits: Promotes natural bonding and teaches the kid social behaviors.

Cons:

Monitoring Intake: Harder to precisely measure how much milk the kid is consuming.
Disease Transmission: Potential for disease transmission from dam to kid (e.g., CAE, Johne’s).
Dam’s Condition: Can put a strain on the dam’s body condition, especially with multiple kids.

Goat Milk Replacer (Artificial Rearing)

Pros:

Controlled Feeding: Allows precise measurement of milk intake, ensuring consistent nutrition.
Disease Control: Reduces the risk of disease transmission from the dam.
Orphan/Rejected Kids: Essential for kids without a mother or those rejected by her.
Friendly Kids: Bottle-fed kids often become very friendly and handle well.

Cons:

Cost: High-quality milk replacer can be expensive.
Time-Consuming: Requires frequent feedings, mixing, and bottle cleaning.
Digestive Issues: Improper mixing or low-quality replacer can lead to digestive upset (scours).

Choosing a Quality Milk Replacer

If you opt for milk replacer, choosing the right one is paramount. Look for a replacer specifically formulated for goats, not calves or lambs, as their nutritional needs differ. Key ingredients to look for:

High Milk Protein: The first ingredient should be a milk-derived protein (e.g., dried whey, casein, milk protein concentrate). Avoid replacers with soy protein as the primary protein source, as goat kids have difficulty digesting it.
Fat Content: Aim for 20-30% fat.
Protein Content: Look for 22-24% crude protein.
Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure it’s fortified with essential vitamins (A, D, E) and minerals.
No Animal By-products: Avoid replacers containing animal fats or by-products.

Milk Feeding Schedule and Quantity

Consistency is key. Feed warm milk (around 100-105°F or 38-40°C) at regular intervals. Overfeeding can lead to bloat and scours, while underfeeding can lead to poor growth.

Here’s a general guideline for bottle-feeding:

Table 1: Baby Goat Milk Feeding Schedule (Approximate)
Age	Feedings per Day	Amount per Feeding (Approximate)	Total Daily Amount (Approximate)
Day 1 (Colostrum)	3-4	2-4 oz (60-120 ml)	10-16 oz (300-480 ml)
Day 2 – Week 2	3-4	4-6 oz (120-180 ml)	12-24 oz (360-720 ml)
Week 3 – Week 4	3	8-10 oz (240-300 ml)	24-30 oz (720-900 ml)
Week 5 – Week 8	2	12-16 oz (360-480 ml)	24-32 oz (720-960 ml)
Week 9 – Weaning	1-2 (gradual reduction)	16-20 oz (480-600 ml)	16-20 oz (480-600 ml)

*Note: These are general guidelines. Adjust based on the kid’s size, breed, and growth rate. Always observe your kid for signs of hunger or discomfort.

Bottle-Feeding Techniques

Cleanliness: Sterilize bottles and nipples thoroughly after each feeding to prevent bacterial growth.
Nipple Flow: Ensure the nipple flow is appropriate – not too fast (can cause aspiration) and not too slow (frustrates the kid). You might need to enlarge the hole slightly with a hot needle.
Positioning: Hold the bottle so the kid’s head is elevated, similar to natural nursing. Never force a kid to drink.
Temperature: Always feed warm milk. Cold milk can cause digestive upset.

Introducing Solids: Hay, Grain, and Water

While milk is their primary food source, baby goats are ruminants and need to start developing their rumen early. Introducing solid foods helps the rumen mature and allows them to transition off milk.

When to Start Offering Solids

You can begin offering small amounts of solid food as early as 1 week of age, though they won’t consume much initially. The goal is to encourage exploration and stimulate rumen development.

Types of Solid Foods

Fresh Water: Absolutely critical from day one. Always provide clean, fresh water in a shallow, tip-proof dish. Dehydration is a major cause of illness in young animals.
Quality Hay: Offer good quality, leafy grass hay (e.g., timothy, orchard grass) or a mix. Alfalfa can be introduced in small amounts as it’s higher in protein and calcium, but too much can cause issues. Hay is essential for fiber and rumen development.
Kid Starter Grain: Around 2-3 weeks of age, you can introduce a specialized “kid starter” or “goat starter” grain. This grain should be palatable, digestible, and have a protein content of 16-18%. It helps provide extra energy and nutrients for growth. Offer only small amounts initially (a handful per day) and gradually increase as they consume more.
Loose Minerals: Provide a loose mineral mix specifically formulated for goats, available free-choice from about 3-4 weeks of age. Ensure it’s in a covered feeder to keep it clean and dry. Avoid mineral blocks, as goats often struggle to consume enough from them.

Table 2: Baby Goat Solid Food Introduction Timeline
Age	Food Item	Method of Introduction
Day 1	Fresh Water	Always available in a shallow, clean dish.
Week 1-2	Quality Hay	Offer small amounts daily in a feeder or hay rack they can reach.
Week 2-3	Kid Starter Grain	Start with a very small handful per kid per day in a shallow feeder.
Week 3-4	Loose Goat Minerals	Provide free-choice in a covered feeder.
Week 4-8	Increase Hay & Grain	Gradually increase amounts as consumption rises. Ensure fresh water is always available.
Weaning (8-12 weeks)	Full Hay & Grain Access	By weaning, kids should be consuming significant amounts of hay and grain.

*Always ensure fresh, clean water is available at all times, regardless of age.

Foods to Avoid for Baby Goats

Just as important as knowing what to feed is knowing what *not* to feed. Many common plants and human foods can be toxic or harmful to goats, especially young ones with developing digestive systems.

Common Toxic Plants

Goats are browsers, but they don’t always know what’s bad for them. Keep them away from:

Rhododendron, Azalea, Laurel
Oleander
Yew
Foxglove
Nightshade family plants (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant leaves/stems)
Wild Cherry (wilted leaves are highly toxic)
Bracken Fern
Poison Hemlock
Milkweed

It’s crucial to research common toxic plants in your region and remove them from any areas your goats might access. For a comprehensive list, resources like university extension services often provide detailed guides on poisonous plants for livestock.

Human Foods to Avoid

Chocolate: Contains theobromine, toxic to many animals.
Caffeine: Stimulant, not suitable for goats.
Avocado: Contains persin, which can be toxic.
Rhubarb: Leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic.
Onions and Garlic: Can cause red blood cell damage.
Processed Foods: Anything high in sugar, salt, or artificial ingredients is detrimental to their digestive system.
Bread, Pasta, Sweets: Can cause bloat, acidosis, and other digestive upsets.
Meat and Dairy Products (other than goat milk/replacer): Goats are herbivores.

Other Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Sudden Diet Changes: Always introduce new feeds gradually over several days to weeks to allow the rumen microbes to adjust.
Overfeeding: Especially milk, which can lead to scours, bloat, and enterotoxemia.
Underfeeding: Leads to poor growth, weakened immune system, and susceptibility to disease.
Dirty Feeders/Waterers: Contaminated food and water are major sources of illness. Clean regularly.
Low-Quality Feeds: Cheap milk replacers or moldy hay can cause severe health problems.

Monitoring Health and Growth

Regularly observing your baby goats is vital to ensure they are thriving. Early detection of problems can save their lives.

Signs of a Healthy Kid

Active and Alert: Playing, exploring, and responsive to stimuli.
Good Appetite: Eagerly nurses or drinks from the bottle.
Bright Eyes: Clear, bright, and alert eyes.
Warm and Dry Nose: A slightly moist nose is normal, but not runny or crusty.
Healthy Stool: Firm, pelleted, and dark. Milk-fed kids may have softer, yellowish stool, but it should not be watery (scours).
Good Body Condition: Filling out, ribs not overly prominent.
Consistent Growth: Gaining weight steadily.

Signs of Illness (When to Call a Vet)

Lethargy/Depression: Not wanting to move, lying down excessively, unresponsive.
Lack of Appetite: Refusing to drink milk or eat solids.
Scours (Diarrhea): Watery, foul-smelling feces. This can quickly lead to dehydration and death in young kids.
Dehydration: Sunken eyes, skin tenting (pinch skin on neck, if it stays tented, kid is dehydrated), dry gums.
Bloat: Swollen, tight abdomen.
Coughing/Nasal Discharge: Signs of respiratory infection.
Fever: Normal temperature for a goat is 101.5-103.5°F (38.6-39.7°C).
Grinding Teeth: Often a sign of pain.
Lameness or Swollen Joints: Could indicate infection or injury.

If you observe any of these signs, especially scours or lethargy, contact your veterinarian immediately. Baby goats can decline very rapidly.

Transitioning to an Adult Diet (Weaning)

Weaning is the process of gradually transitioning a kid from a milk-based diet to a solid food diet. This is a critical period that must be managed carefully to avoid stress and setbacks.

When to Wean

The ideal weaning age depends on several factors, including the kid’s health, growth rate, and consumption of solid food. Generally, kids are ready for weaning between 8 to 12 weeks of age, provided they are:

Eating well: Consuming at least 0.5-1 pound of grain and significant amounts of hay daily.
Healthy: No signs of illness or stress.
Good weight: Have reached a healthy weight for their breed.

Weaning too early can stunt growth and compromise immunity, while weaning too late can be costly and make the transition harder.

The Weaning Process

Gradual weaning is always preferred over abrupt weaning. This allows the kid’s rumen to fully develop and adapt to digesting solid foods.

Reduce Milk Gradually: Over 1-2 weeks, reduce the frequency and/or volume of milk feedings. For example, if feeding twice a day, drop to once a day for a few days, then every other day, until completely off milk.
Increase Solids: Ensure free-choice access to quality hay and continue offering kid starter grain. The goal is for them to compensate for the reduced milk intake by consuming more solids.
Monitor Closely: Watch for any signs of stress, weight loss, or digestive upset during the weaning period.
Separate (Optional): If dam-raised, separating the kids from their mother for increasing periods, then permanently, can help with the weaning process.
Continue Water and Minerals: Ensure constant access to fresh water and loose goat minerals.

After weaning, kids can continue on a good quality hay diet supplemented with a grower grain (14-16% protein) until they reach breeding age or mature size. Access to pasture, if available and safe, can also become a significant part of their diet as they grow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I feed a newborn goat?

A newborn goat needs colostrum within the first 1-2 hours of birth. After that, for the first two weeks, feed milk 3-4 times a day. As they grow, you can reduce feedings to 2-3 times daily, and then once daily closer to weaning (around 8-12 weeks).

Q2: Can baby goats drink cow’s milk?

While cow’s milk can be used in an emergency, it’s not ideal for long-term feeding. Cow’s milk has a different fat and protein composition than goat’s milk, which can lead to digestive upset like scours (diarrhea) in goat kids. A high-quality goat milk replacer is a much better alternative if the dam’s milk isn’t available.

Q3: What are the signs of a sick baby goat?

Signs of illness in a baby goat include lethargy (lack of energy), refusal to eat or drink, watery diarrhea (scours), a swollen abdomen (bloat), sunken eyes (dehydration), coughing, nasal discharge, or a fever (rectal temperature above 103.5°F). If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Q4: When can baby goats start eating hay?

You can offer good quality hay to baby goats as early as 1 week of age. While they won’t eat much initially, it helps stimulate rumen development. By 2-3 weeks, they should start nibbling on it more consistently, and hay becomes increasingly important as they approach weaning.

Q5: How much milk replacer does a baby goat need daily?

The total daily amount of milk replacer typically ranges from 12 ounces (360 ml) for very young kids up to 32 ounces (960 ml) for older, growing kids. Always follow the specific mixing and feeding instructions on your chosen milk replacer package, and adjust based on the kid’s weight, breed, and growth rate.

Q6: What if my baby goat won’t drink milk?

If a baby goat refuses to drink milk, it’s a serious concern. First, check the milk temperature (should be body temperature) and nipple flow. If those are fine, the kid might be sick. Try offering a small amount of warm electrolyte solution. If the refusal persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or scours, seek immediate veterinary attention.

Q7: Is creep feed necessary for young goats?

Creep feed, often referred to as “kid starter grain,” is highly beneficial for young goats. It provides concentrated energy and protein, supporting rapid growth and helping the rumen develop faster. This allows kids to transition more smoothly to solid food and reach weaning weight more efficiently, especially for those being raised for meat or early breeding.