One of the key reasons goats are easy to rear is their ability to feed on a wide variety of natural forages and browsing plants. Unlike other livestock, goats are browsers by nature, meaning they prefer eating shrubs, tree leaves, and weeds over grazing grass like cattle or sheep.
Feeding goats on natural forages not only reduces the cost of production but also improves their health, growth, and productivity. In this guide, we’ll explore the best natural forages and browsing plants for goats, their benefits, and how you can maximize them for profitable goat farming.
Why Natural Forages Are Important for Goats
- Low-cost feeding: Natural plants reduce dependence on expensive commercial feeds.
- Nutrient-rich: They contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that improve digestion.
- Disease resistance: Goats on natural diets are generally healthier and more resistant to disease.
- Sustainable farming: Using natural resources reduces environmental impact and promotes organic production.
Best Natural Forages and Browsing Plants for Goats
1.
Leguminous Forages
Leguminous plants are rich in protein and minerals that support fast growth.
- Examples:
- Leucaena leucocephala (Ipil-ipil)
- Gliricidia sepium (Gliricidia)
- Calliandra calothyrsus
- Stylosanthes spp.
- Benefits: Improve weight gain, milk production, and fertility.
2.
Grasses
While goats prefer browsing, grasses provide energy and roughage.
- Examples:
- Guinea grass (Panicum maximum)
- Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
- Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense)
- Benefits: Support rumen function and reduce feeding costs.
3.
Shrubs and Tree Leaves
Goats thrive on shrubs and tree leaves, which form the bulk of their diet.
- Examples:
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Mulberry leaves (Morus alba)
- Acacia species
- Mango leaves (moderation)
- Benefits: Provide vitamins and minerals; some have medicinal properties.
4.
Crop Residues and By-products
Farm residues are valuable and readily available for feeding.
- Examples:
- Maize stover
- Groundnut haulms
- Cassava peels (dried and detoxified)
- Yam peels
- Benefits: Reduce waste and provide energy-rich feed during scarcity.
5.
Weeds and Browse Plants
Weeds often seen as farm nuisances are excellent goat feed.
- Examples:
- Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata)
- Tridax grass (Tridax procumbens)
- Goat weed (Ageratum conyzoides)
- Benefits: Naturally abundant, cost-free, and nutritious.
Feeding Tips for Goats on Natural Forages
- Rotate browsing areas to prevent overgrazing.
- Mix different forages for balanced nutrition.
- Avoid toxic plants (e.g., cassava leaves with cyanide, wild yam).
- Supplement with salt licks and clean water.
- During dry season, preserve forage by drying or silage-making.
Conclusion
Goats are highly adaptable and can thrive on natural forages and browsing plants if well-managed. By taking advantage of leguminous plants, grasses, shrubs, and crop residues, farmers can cut down feeding costs and boost productivity.
Natural feeding is not just cheaper, it also supports healthier goats and sustainable goat farming.
