KEEP YOUR Rumens RIGHT

Ruminant health is all about maintaining rumen health

- LISA SEGER

As with all ruminants, the key to keeping goats healthy lies primarily in keeping their rumens healthy. The rumen is essentially a big fermentation tank that makes otherwise indigestible grasses and other plants digestible. Beyond that, the goat's rumen is where critical B vitamins including B1 (thiamine) and B12 are synthesized.

Without sufficient B1, goats get polio (not to be confused with the polio that humans get, which is viral). Without sufficient B12, goats lose weight and suffer overall metabolic problems. The first can kill a goat rapidly; the second can do it over time. Properly feeding goats is the primary way we can promote good rumen health. Yet there are a few other tips and tricks you can and should consider.

GIVE THE PROPER FEED 

As stated, the primary function of the rumen is to break down grasses and other plants, so it follows that your goats need to eat grass and other plants. If your goats do not graze and browse, they need to have constant, regular access to hay.

Even goats that have access to proper forage should get supplemental hay, as the quality and quantity of forage declines seasonally. Many goat owners supplement graze-and-browse with grain. Always consider grain as just that — a supplement. Too much grain can change the pH of the rumen, affecting and even killing the good bacteria in the rumen, which are key to the rumen’s digestive function.

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