I'm sure the grain question's been asked, but...

[simplyflow]

Hi all,

My goats are on sweetfeed-specifically Sweet Multi-Feed 16 by Prince. This is what my first Nubian was being fed when I got her, she was a good milker, so I stuck with it. Now I would really like to get them off the "goat crack" and onto something better. I have heard some of you mentioning that you hand mix. Well, what I would like to know is what is your simple recipe? My goats also get free choice loose mineral, hay, baking soda and alfalfa pellets, and do graze most days. Thanks for your help.

[simplyflow]

I know that this question has been answered probably a thousand times, but it is hard to weed through it all to get the simple answer.

I did do some research and found that Emily feeds her milking does 3/4 barley and 1/4 cracked corn. I don't think I can get barley here at our feed store, but I know I can get oats. Could I sub the oats for the barley in this recipe? Are there any simply additions I should make?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[backwoods]

The simple answer is yes you can.I feed mine:
1 part cracked corn
2 parts whole oats
1 part BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds)

All the alfalfa hay and browse they want.For amounts to feed,it varies with the goat and her environment.Only browse for bucks unless in rut then alfalfa and enough grain to keep in condition for breeding.

Books are written on this so I must stop here.Hope this helps.

[Alice In TX/MO]

That's as good as any, and pretty close to what we serve.

[simplyflow]

Thanks...That's all I needed!

[LMonty]

do goats digest crimped oats better than whole oats, or does the rumen use them efficiently?

[backwoods]

Originally Posted by LMonty

do goats digest crimped oats better than whole oats, or does the rumen use them efficiently?

Yes.Crimped oats are whole oats,or should be.They just run them thru a machine that cleans and flattens them.