Forage Crops
Indoor dairy goat crops will be of the type that can be harvested and conserved or included as part of the cut and carry system.
Oats:
Oats can end up being too lush at times for the goats’ digestive systems and if it gets away, it becomes stalky is difficult to utilise/ preserve.
Chickory:
Chicory is great for extending strong lactation into the summer as it has protein but low NDF, but does need to be fed in moderation to avoid issues. Due to its high moisture content, if too much is fed, it will cause the goats stools to become very loose. It also makes the scrape lanes very damp and mushy. It is common for chicory to be mixed with rye grasses rather than sown on its own.
Lucerne:
Lucerne is an excellent forage for goats due to its high protein and energy content and the fact that goats like deep rooted vegetation. Lucerne can be re-grazed multiple times in any given season but does lay dormant for extended periods in the winter. Some new varieties such as Kaituna (Specialty Seeds) have taller stems making them more suited to cut and carry, and shorter dormant phases.
