While the provided reference does not explicitly state whether dairy goats need grain for survival or production, it does describe grain as a component typically included in their rations, detailing preferences and feeding methods. This suggests that grain is considered a suitable and common part of a goat's diet.
Key Insights from the Reference on Grain in Goat Rations
The reference offers practical information regarding the inclusion and presentation of grain feeds for goats:
- Preference: Goats show a clear preference for coarsely ground or whole grains when included in their rations.
- Selective Feeding Risk: Using coarsely ground or whole grains can lead to selective feeding by does (female goats), where they might pick out only certain parts of the mixture.
- Ensuring Uniform Intake:
- Molasses can be utilized to help hold rations together, preventing selective feeding and promoting more uniform consumption of the feed mix.
- Pelleted rations are also mentioned as being readily accepted by goats, providing an alternative form to feed grain that can help manage selective sorting issues.
Role of Grain According to the Reference
The discussion in the reference focuses on the characteristics and presentation of grain feeds suitable for goats ("preferred", "accepted", "in their rations") and how to manage their consumption. It describes practical aspects like preferred forms, potential feeding challenges like selectivity, and solutions like using molasses or pellets.
By focusing on how to effectively feed grain, discussing goat acceptance, preference for form, and methods to manage intake uniformity, the reference highlights its role as a common and considered feedstuff within goat rations, even without using the term "need" to describe its necessity.
