Nutrition of the meat goat

This chapter aims to provide a summary of some applications of basic nutrition to the meat goat. Nutrient requirements of goats and nutritional limitations associated with forages and other feed resources are discussed. Some aspects of the feeding habits, feed composition, nutrient requirements, feed formulation and feeding of goats will be discussed. Present knowledge of nutrient requirements and nutritional management based on information available for the meat goat of native and specialized breeds in the literature is summarized. Emphasis is also placed on the use of feed supplements to optimize the production potential of goats in semi-arid range environments. Where applicable, comparisons with other relevant species are made.