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Posted by Nat on November 22, 2001 at 08:07:49:
In Reply to: Re: How low can you go posted by GoatWorld on November 21, 2001 at 18:32:53:
I really have never had a problem with an animal getting too cold, unless they have a specific problem - young kids, older animals, or sick ones. If you're worried about boer goats not doign well in cold weather, try to get stock from a breeder that is established in a cold climate. That way the animals have already adapted well. Otherwise, with good feed and shelter there shouldn't be a problem.
On colder days I try to push the roughages, keep that rumen cooking its a great goat furnace. On real miserable days when the snow is drifting bad, or we have heavy snow in the fortcast I'll keep everyone in. (they would almost rather be out 90% of the time) When we have a snowpack I'll put hay on the snow and what ever they don't eat becomes bedding. I don't mind if they waste a bit from the racks as it becomes a nice warm spot to lay down on. Its funny to see the little goat paths in the snow leading to each hay area.
Only one complaint about really cold weather - watch ears for frostbite. If you've ever had it you'll see the tips of the ears scabb up, and then in the spring sometimes the hair comes in a bit white.
Happy Turkey Day!
-NAT