Yes, goats do need hay in the summer, even when pasture is available. Hay is crucial for their digestive health and overall well-being.
Goats are ruminants, meaning they have a four-compartment stomach that relies on fiber for proper function. While lush summer pastures offer nutrients, hay provides the necessary roughage (fiber) to keep their digestive systems working efficiently. Hay typically should make up around 40% of a goat's diet.
Here's a breakdown of why hay is important for goats in the summer:
- Digestive Health: Hay stimulates rumen function and helps prevent digestive upset, such as bloat or acidosis, which can occur with sudden access to rich pasture.
- Fiber Source: Summer grasses can be high in moisture and lower in fiber than mature grasses or hay. Hay provides a consistent fiber source regardless of pasture conditions.
- Nutrient Balance: While pasture can be nutritious, hay can supplement any nutrient deficiencies in the pasture. A good quality hay provides essential vitamins and minerals.
- Preventing Selective Grazing: Offering hay encourages goats to consume a wider variety of plants in the pasture, preventing overgrazing of preferred species.
Tips for providing hay to goats in the summer:
- Offer free-choice hay: Allow goats to access hay at all times, so they can regulate their intake based on their individual needs.
- Choose high-quality hay: Select hay that is clean, dry, and free from dust, mold, and weeds. Grass hays like Timothy or Orchardgrass are generally good choices.
- Provide hay in a feeder: Using a hay feeder helps to reduce waste and prevents the hay from becoming contaminated with urine or feces.
- Monitor body condition: Adjust the amount of hay offered based on the goats' body condition score. If they are gaining too much weight, reduce the amount of hay.
By providing hay in addition to pasture, you can ensure that your goats have a balanced diet and maintain optimal health throughout the summer months.
