You can feed baby goats whole cow’s milk as a substitute for their mother’s milk. It’s important to use whole milk because baby goats need the fat for proper growth and development. Ensure the milk is pasteurized to avoid potential health risks, and introduce it gradually to their diet. Always consult a veterinarian for specific dietary advice tailored to your goat’s needs.
How to Feed Cow Milk to Baby Goats?
First Feed Should be Colostrum
The first feed for a newborn goat should ideally be colostrum, either from its mother or a colostrum substitute. If using cow colostrum, ensure it’s from a cow that has recently given birth. Colostrum is crucial for providing antibodies and nutrients needed for early-life immunity and health.
Bottle Feeding
After the initial colostrum, you can transition to feeding whole cow milk. Use a baby bottle with a nipple designed for goats. Make sure the milk is warmed to about body temperature (around 102°F or 39°C) for each feeding.
Feed the Right Amount and Frequency
- First Week: Feed about 4-6 ounces (120-180 ml) per feeding, 4-6 times a day.
- Weeks 2-3: Increase to 8-12 ounces (240-360 ml) per feeding, 3-4 times daily.
- Weeks 4-6: You can feed 16-20 ounces (480-600 ml) per feeding, 3 times daily.
- Weeks 7-12: Gradually reduce the frequency to twice daily while maintaining the amount. Start introducing solid foods like hay and goat feed.
Observe Any Adverse Reactions
Watch for signs of digestive upset, such as diarrhea or bloating. If you notice any adverse reactions, consult with a veterinarian. Ensure the baby goat is also getting adequate water and starting to nibble on hay and other solid foods as it grows.
How to Wean Baby Goats?
- Introduce Solid Foods Early: Start introducing solid foods, such as hay, goat pellets, and fresh greens, when the kids are about two weeks old. This early introduction helps them get used to eating solids and prepares them for weaning.
- Monitor Their Solid Food Intake: Ensure the kids eat solid foods regularly. Their consumption of solid foods should increase as they grow older. Provide fresh water at all times.
- Gradual Reduction of Milk: Begin to gradually reduce the amount of milk around 6-8 weeks of age. This can be done by either reducing the volume of milk per feeding or reducing the number of feedings per day.
- Adjust According to Health and Growth: Keep an eye on the kids’ health and growth. If a kid is not gaining weight or seems weak, you might need to slow down the weaning process.
- Complete Weaning by 8-12 Weeks: Most goats can be fully weaned by 8-12 weeks of age. By this time, they should be consuming solid foods as their primary source of nutrition.
Also Read: Can Goats Eat Bread?
Frequently Asked Questions
When to Start Bottle Feeding a Baby Goat?
Begin bottle feeding a baby goat immediately if it’s unable to nurse from its mother. For orphaned or rejected kids, bottle feeding should start within the first few hours after birth to ensure they receive vital nutrients, especially colostrum, in the first feeding.
How Long Should You Bottle Feed a Baby Goat?
Bottle feeding should continue until the goat is about 8-12 weeks old. Around this age, they should be able to transition fully to solid foods. The weaning process usually starts around 6 weeks and gradually reduces milk intake.
What is the Right Environment to Keep Baby Goats?
Baby goats need a clean, dry, and draft-free environment with adequate shelter to protect them from weather extremes. They should have enough space to move around and play, as well as access to clean water and appropriate food as they grow.
What Should be the First Solid Diet of Baby Goats?
The first solid diet for baby goats should include high-quality hay and a starter grain formulated for goats. Introduce these solids at about 2 weeks of age, while they are still being bottle-fed, to ease the transition to solid foods.