Fodders for Goats
Complete nutrition guide for optimal goat health, growth, and milk production with scientifically proven feeding strategies
Feed Cost Basics
Feed is usually the largest running cost on a goat farm, and prices differ from place to place. Work out your own daily figure with the Feed Cost Calculator.
Complete Fodder Guide
Comprehensive information on all types of goat fodders for optimal nutrition management
Maize Fodder
Protein Content: 9-12% crude protein
Yield: 40-50 tonnes green fodder per hectare
Growing Season: Kharif crop (June-July planting)
Varieties: African tall, Vijay composite, Moti composite, Ganga-5
Harvesting: During milky cob stage for maximum nutrition
Berseem (Clover)
Protein Content: 18-20% crude protein (dry matter basis)
Yield: 500-600 quintals green fodder per hectare
Cuttings: 5 cuttings per season
Special Features: Leguminous crop, improves soil nitrogen
Harvesting: Early flowering stage for optimal nutrition
Cowpea (Lobia)
Protein Content: 20% crude protein – ideal for goats
Yield: 230 quintals green fodder per hectare
Growing Seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and summer (with irrigation)
Seed Rate: 40 kg per hectare
Harvesting: 50% blooming stage (50-55 days after planting)
COFS 29 Sorghum
Protein Content: 8.41% crude protein
Crude Fiber: 34% (highly digestible)
Cuttings: 5-6 cuts per year at 60-day intervals
Tillering: 10-15 tillers per plant
Special Features: Multicut variety, high palatability
Bajra (Pearl Millet)
Protein Content: Good protein levels, no HCN poisoning risk
Yield: 500-600 quintals fresh feed per hectare
Varieties: L-72, JAINT BAJRA (multicut type by BAIF)
Growing Conditions: Grows in any well-drained soil
Fertilizer: 90 kg N and 60 kg P2O5 per hectare
Oat Fodder
Protein Content: 14.6% at early stage, 7.6% at 50% flowering
Season: Excellent rabi season fodder (irrigated and rainfed)
Cuttings: 3 cuttings starting January
Advantage: Fresh forage during lean period
Growing: Suitable for both irrigated and rainfed conditions
Wheat Straw
Protein Content: 3-4% crude protein
Usage: Basic roughage, requires protein supplementation
Processing: Chop to 2-3 inch pieces for better utilization
Treatment: Soak overnight or treat with 4% urea solution
Availability: Abundant in North Indian wheat-growing regions
Rice Straw
Protein Content: 2-3% crude protein (very low)
Treatment Required: Must treat with urea (4% solution)
Processing: Chop and soak to improve palatability
Supplementation: Requires high protein concentrate
Availability: Abundant in rice-growing regions
Gram Straw (Chana)
Protein Content: 6-8% crude protein
Quality: Better than cereal straws due to legume origin
Palatability: Good acceptance by goats
Processing: Can be fed directly or chopped
Nutritional Value: Higher protein than wheat/rice straw
Groundnut Straw
Protein Content: 10-12% crude protein
Quality: High-quality roughage from legume
Palatability: Excellent acceptance by goats
Availability: Common in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh
Usage: Can partially replace concentrate feeds
Mustard Stalks
Protein Content: 5-7% crude protein
Regional Use: Popular in Rajasthan mustard-growing areas
Processing: Chop to prevent choking hazard
Palatability: Moderate acceptance, mix with other fodders
Availability: Post-harvest February-March
Jowar/Bajra Straw
Protein Content: 4-6% crude protein
Regional Significance: Important in Maharashtra, Karnataka
Processing: Better when chopped and treated
Mixing: Combines well with legume straws
Storage: Store in dry place to prevent mold growth
Wheat Bran
Protein Content: 15-16% crude protein
Palatability: Excellent acceptance by goats
Energy: Good source of digestible energy
Fiber: 10-12% crude fiber aids digestion
Usage: 20-25% of concentrate mixture
Rice Bran
Protein Content: 12-13% crude protein
Energy: High energy content due to oil
Caution: Can become rancid quickly, use fresh
Fat Content: 12-15% fat provides energy
Usage: 15-20% of concentrate mixture
Groundnut Cake
Protein Content: 45-48% crude protein
Quality: Premium protein source
Palatability: Highly palatable to goats
Usage: 15-20% of concentrate mixture
Cost: More expensive but highly nutritious
Cotton Seed Cake
Protein Content: 20-25% crude protein
Availability: Abundant in cotton-growing regions
Caution: Must be gossypol-free for safety
Usage: 10-15% of concentrate mixture
Processing: Use only de-oiled, processed cake
Maize Grain
Protein Content: 9-10% crude protein
Energy: Excellent energy source (TDN 80%)
Processing: Crush or grind before feeding
Usage: 30-40% of concentrate mixture
Palatability: Highly palatable energy source
Mineral Mixture
Requirement: 2-3% of concentrate mixture
Key Elements: Calcium, phosphorus (2:1 ratio)
Trace Elements: Copper, zinc, selenium, iron
Vitamins: A, D, E supplements essential
Usage: 25-30 grams per goat per day
Daily Feed Budget (2026)
Daily Cost: depends on local prices; work it out with the Feed Cost Calculator
Cost Breakdown: concentrates usually cost the most per kilogram, then green fodder, then dry fodder
Tip: Track your feed cost per goat every month
Strategy: Focus on home-grown fodders to reduce costs
Economics: Feed cost must not exceed milk revenue
Water Requirements
Adult Goats: 4-5 liters clean water daily
Lactating Does: 6-8 liters during peak lactation
Kids: 1-2 liters depending on age and weight
Hot Weather: Increase water by 50% during summer months
Quality: Fresh, clean water always available
Protein Requirements
Lactating Does: 16-18% crude protein in total diet
Dry Does: 12-14% crude protein adequate
Growing Kids: 14-16% protein for optimal growth
Breeding Bucks: 14-16% protein for fertility
Pregnant Does: 14-16% protein in last trimester
Energy Requirements
TDN Needs: 55-65% Total Digestible Nutrients
Lactating Does: Higher energy during peak milk production
Winter Months: 10-15% increase for body heat maintenance
Growing Animals: Higher energy density for growth
Activity Level: Grazing goats need 20% more energy
Fiber Requirements
Crude Fiber: 18-25% in total diet for rumen health
Long Fiber: Essential for proper cud chewing
Minimum Roughage: Never below 40% of diet
Processing: Chop to 2-3 inch pieces, not powder
Quality: Avoid moldy or dusty roughage
Budget-Friendly Feeding
Daily Cost: set your own target from local feed prices
Cost Distribution: 40% concentrates, 35% green fodder, 25% dry fodder
Home Production: Grow 70% fodder on-farm to reduce costs
Bulk Buying: Purchase concentrates in bulk during harvest season
Loss Prevention: Review feed cost monthly and cut waste first
Recommended Feeding Guidelines
Scientific feeding ratios for optimal goat nutrition and productivity
Daily Feed Cost
Depends on local feed prices. Use the Feed Cost Calculator to find your own figure
Roughage:Concentrate
Cost-effective ratio using cheaper roughages to reduce expensive concentrate usage
Home-Grown Fodder
Percentage of fodder that should be farm-produced to keep feed cost down
Scientific Feeding Techniques
Evidence-based practices for maximizing feed efficiency and goat health
Feed Processing Methods
- Chop all fodders to 2-3 inch pieces for better utilization
- Treat poor quality straws with 4% urea solution
- Soak dry fodders overnight to improve palatability
- Grind grains coarsely, avoid fine powder
- Steam flake grains for better digestibility
- Ensile surplus green fodder for lean periods
Seasonal Feeding Adjustments
- Increase energy feeds by 15% during winter months
- Provide cooling feeds (green fodder) in summer
- Supplement vitamin A during dry season
- Increase water intake by 50% in hot weather
- Use preserved fodder during monsoon months
- Add probiotics during stress periods
Special Feeding Considerations
- Pregnant does need 25% extra nutrition in last 6 weeks
- Lactating does require 50% more energy and protein
- Growing kids need 20% more protein than adults
- Breeding bucks need vitamin E and zinc supplements
- Sick goats require easily digestible feeds
- Newly weaned kids need gradual dietary transition
Cost-Effective Feeding Strategies (2026)
- Track daily feed cost per goat and compare it with your sale income
- Grow own fodder crops (berseem, maize) to reduce costs by 40-50%
- Use crop residues and agricultural by-products efficiently
- Practice staggered sowing for continuous fodder supply
- Form farmer groups for bulk feed purchases at lower rates
- Utilize kitchen waste and fruit peels safely (max 10% of diet)
- Maintain proper feed storage to prevent 15-20% wastage losses
- Calculate feed cost daily: Concentrate + Green fodder + Dry fodder
Smart Economics: Know Your Daily Feed Cost
Strategic feeding practices to maintain profitability while ensuring optimal goat nutrition and health in 2026