A pygmy goat’s daily diet must include protein-rich foods like fresh green leafy alfalfa, clover hay soybean meal. The carbohydrate needs can fulfilled by feeding the goat whole and rolled grains. Oats, corn, goat ration and sweet feed provide the necessary vitamins and minerals required by the animal. A quantity of ¼ cup of grain is required by a pygmy goat everyday. A trough is a better means of providing food for these animals. This would prevent wastage of grains, which happens because it’s soiled by the goats. Having a mineral or salt block for the goats is also a good practice in pygmy goat care.
Consumption of a variety of forages like grass, forbs and browse proves beneficial to the health of these goats. They can be fed grass like fescue, orchard and blue grass. Dandelions, cloves and wild lettuce are forbs which contribute to their well being. Pygmy goats also love browse like brushes, blackberry, rabbit brush, etc.
The two essential vitamins required by pygmy goats are Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Foods rich in Vitamin A include green pasture, green hay, yellow corn, etc. During summers, exposure to the sun is enough to provide the goats with Vitamin D. However, when the sun isn’t as strong, especially in winters, sun-cured hay is the best source of Vitamin D.
Adequate supply of fresh clean water should be maintained for the goats. It is preferable if you can provide warm water in colder seasons and cool water in warmer seasons. This encourages the animals to drink plenty of water. Changing the water frequently is also an important factor in caring for pygmy goats.
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