Feeding is a critical aspect of raising cashmere goats, involving the use of agricultural by-products such as crop straw, oyster shells, fresh green grasses (like wild herbs and sand savanna), and hay (which consists of all edible grasses stored throughout the year). All these feed sources are suitable for feeding. It plays a key role in helping goats gain weight, improve productivity, and maximize economic returns.
1. Introduction to Feeding and Nutrition for White Cashmere Goats
Feeding should be based on factors such as gender, age, health condition, and the nutritional needs required for biological metabolism. Feed is the foundation of animal husbandry, with plant-based feed being essential for goat farming. Feed can be categorized into seven main types: green feed, roughage, juicy feed, concentrate feed, animal feed, mineral feed, and synthetic feed.
1. Green Feed
Green feed is the primary diet for goats and includes fresh grasses, pasture plants, barley fodder, young leaves, and silage. It is high in moisture, fiber, and protein, rich in vitamins, and highly palatable. Fresh leaves are especially preferred by goats, with lower water and fiber content compared to regular forage, but higher levels of leaf protein and carotene. Collecting these leaves at the right time helps resolve conflicts between agriculture and livestock, ensuring quality feed for goats.
2. Roughage
Roughage is the main food for goats during winter and spring, including hay, crop stalks, and oyster shells. It has a large volume, low moisture, high fiber, and limited digestible nutrients. However, it's widely available and varies in quality. Hay, particularly from legumes, is considered high-quality when harvested at the early flowering stage. It offers balanced nutrition, good protein, high carotene content, and is easy to digest. This makes it ideal for both lambs and adult goats.
3. Juicy Feed
Juicy feed is characterized by high moisture, low dry matter, and easy digestibility. It includes roots, tubers, vegetables, and melons. These feeds play an important role in increasing milk production in goats, especially after lambing and during the cold seasons.
4. Concentrate Feed
Concentrate feed is small in size, low in moisture, and rich in nutrients. It includes grains, legume seeds, and by-products like soybean meal and corn bran. While it’s essential for postpartum ewes, lambs, rams, and high-yield cashmere goats, overfeeding concentrates can lead to digestive issues. Therefore, it should be used in moderation, with attention to balance and physical form. Animal and mineral feeds are less commonly used in rural areas and will not be discussed here.
Second, Dietary Standards and Feeding Guidelines
The feeding method for cashmere goats is relatively simple, especially in rural areas where housing feeding is common. During summer, grazing is encouraged, and efforts should be made to diversify forage species to improve appetite. In winter and spring, dietary standards are crucial for maintaining health and productivity.
1. Winter and Spring Ration for Ewes
Ewes should receive about 4 pounds of wild grass hay daily, along with 1 bale of Poria serrata or Sanda virginiana hay at the beginning of the flowering period, plus 1 pound of crop straw. Forage should be cut to no more than 1 inch in length. In rural areas, feed is often mixed twice a day, with 2 pounds of grass and 2 pounds of a mix containing black beans and corn.
2. Salt and Water Feeding
Salt is essential for proper feeding. Sheep without salt may not eat properly, and those in winter need it to maintain appetite. In September, salt should be provided to prevent wind-related issues. Generally, each sheep requires 8 grams of salt per day, while nursing ewes need 12 grams. Salt should be placed in the feeding trough for easy access. Clean, fresh water must always be available, with stone tanks ensuring enough supply for all animals.
Third, Housing and Management
Cashmere goat housing doesn’t require strict construction. Local materials like wood, bricks, or adobe can be used, as long as the temperature remains between 8°C and 12°C in winter, and the area is dry, well-ventilated, and spacious. In summer, shade is necessary, and the location should be elevated, facing south with natural wind protection. The new barn should be disinfected with lime water, and clean grass mats and dried feces should be used to maintain hygiene.
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