By Maile Matsimela
Goats are versatile livestock that can thrive in South Africa’s diverse climates. Most people prefer them over cattle due to their resilience to drought, lower maintenance costs and faster reproduction rates, according to Farming Portal, 2022.
This guide provides feeding recommendations specifically tailored for small-scale goat farmers in South Africa.
Small-scale goat farming can be highly sustainable when adapted to local conditions. Farmers need to focus on maximising natural browsing, supplementing locally available feeds, and providing appropriate minerals for your specific region.
Basic nutritional requirements
Like in any region, goats in South Africa require a balanced diet including energy sources, protein, vitamins (especially A, D, and E) and minerals (particularly phosphorus, calcium and salt)
Browsing and grazing
Browsing natural vegetation is ideal for goats as it provides natural food, energy and protein. Also, browsing helps prevent parasitic diseases and South African indigenous breeds are particularly well-adapted to browsing local vegetation, according to Rumosa Gwaze et al., 2021.
South African native browse plants, such as sweet thorn (Vachellia karroo), which is high in crude protein and helps control worm infections, and indigenous fodder trees like mopane, marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and Terminalia species (Beyene et al., 2023) are part of the natural veld in various regions.
Hay and dry feed
During dry seasons or droughts, which are common in South Africa, high-quality hay becomes essential. Lespedeza can be grown in certain parts of South Africa and is excellent hay for goats while lucerne (alfalfa) is widely available in South Africa and makes excellent goat feed. Farmers may also consider local alternatives like well-dried Eragrostis grass hay.
Grains and concentrates
Maize (corn) is widely available in South Africa and is an excellent energy source. Oats can be grown in the Western Cape and some cooler regions while sorghum is drought-resistant and suitable for many South African regions.
Feed costs can be high, so farmers need to prioritise natural browsing when available. During drought periods, supplementary grain feeding becomes more important. Consider locally available by-products like brewer’s grain or sunflower oil cake as alternatives to imported feeds.
Protein supplements
Sunflower meal and cottonseed meal are produced locally in South Africa. Fish meal is also an excellent source of protein. Consider hemp by-products, which are emerging as a promising alternative protein source in South Africa, according to (ProAgri, 2023).
Vitamins and minerals
For vitamins and minerals, farmers can get premixed loose minerals designed for goats that are available from suppliers such as AFGRI. Farmers may also get Multimin + Se + Cu (for some breeds; not recommended for Boer goats). Voermol Maxiwol is recommended for pregnant ewes (Boergoats.co.za, 2023).
Mineral deficiencies can vary by region, so farmers need to consult with local agricultural extension officers. Selenium supplementation is particularly important in many South African soils while copper supplementation should be carefully managed for Angora goats.
Kitchen scraps and garden waste
Utilising garden and kitchen waste (vegetable peelings, fruit scraps) is economical. Items like banana peels, orange peels and vegetable cuttings can supplement commercial feed but one must ensure that all kitchen waste is free from mould and harmful substances.
Do not feed avocado (toxic to goats), chocolate or coffee grounds, or onions and garlic in large quantities. Also, do not feed processed human foods with a high salt or sugar content or any mouldy or spoiled food to goats.
Water requirements
Goats must have constant access to clean, fresh water. This is essential, especially in hot regions. Water consumption increases significantly during hot weather and during drought periods, monitoring water quality becomes even more important (Zamani et al., 2023).
Small-farm considerations in South Africa
Regarding drought resilience, it’s important to develop fodder banks for drought periods, Farmers are advised to consider hard, drought-resistant feeds like Sericea lespedeza and Acacia species.
For cost management farmers need to maximise natural browsing where possible. It’s important to also establish relationships with local mills for affordable by-products or consider cooperative buying with other small farmers to reduce costs.
When it comes to breed-specific considerations, Boer goats may need higher protein levels during breeding season. Angora goats require specific nutrition for mohair production (Snyman & Olivier, 2013) while indigenous breeds often thrive on local vegetation with minimal supplementation.
Disclaimer: This article was adapted from Successful Farming Magazine (USA) for South African conditions. Farmers still need to consult with local agricultural extension officers for region-specific advice tailored to your farm’s unique conditions.
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