ABSTRACT
Ontario’s dairy goat industry has grown in recent years. The objective of the present
study was to establish the current nutritional practices on dairy goat farms. A survey
was sent out to 216 dairy goat producers in Ontario. Producers were asked questions
regarding their general herd structure and mortality, voluntary culling reasons, lactation
management, nutrition management, housing and space allowance, goat kid management,
and opinions on future research. Nutritional practices varied considerably between
farms. The most common feeding systems were complete feed (pellet) with forage and
component feed for lactating does, dry does, transition does, and doelings. Alfalfa
hay was the most common forage fed with the complete feed system. Most producers (84%)
fed their goats pellets or grain at the parlor. Milk production was greatest in the
summer months, whereas milk fat and protein levels were greater in the fall and winter
months. Colostrum management varied between farms. Most producers (36.1%) did not
allow goat kids to spend time with their dam. Few farms pasteurized or tested the
quality of the colostrum. There was considerable variability when producers offered
grain and starter, hay, and water to goat kids, ranging from younger than 5 d to after
weaning. Nutrition and kid rearing were the 2 most common areas identified by producers
that require further investigation. Future research is essential in providing the
dairy goat industry with the information required to effectively meet the needs of
the animal, improve production efficiency, and ultimately help support the growth
of the industry.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 18,
2016
Received:
November 30,
2015
Identification
Copyright
Copyright © 2016, American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. All rights reserved.
