188 MODERN MILK GOATS 



all they want, or at least all they can get. If green stuff 

 is cut and fed to them in the feed box, or if roots or 

 ensilage are used, a rough estimate of the quantity to be 

 fed daily would be about six pounds for every one hun- 

 dred pounds of body weight. This succulent feed is of 

 the greatest importance to all the herd. It maintains the 

 rapid and healthy growth of the yomig, and keeps the 

 bucks in prime condition and vigor. But it is even more 

 essential to the milking doe, and to the full development 

 of her capacity. No outstanding record can be expected 

 from any doe who has had only dry feed during her 

 period of lactation. 



Hay supplements the succulent feed in providing 

 bulk to the ration. Again, a rough estimate of the quan- 

 tity needed would be two pounds daily to every one hun- 

 dred pounds of body weight. A better rule would be, 

 watch your animals and give them all the hay they will 

 clean up in a reasonable time, say, in three or four hoxu"S 

 twice a day. If their pasturage or other green feed is 

 abundant and nutritious, they will need very little hay, 

 perhaps at times none at all. If the pasturage is very 

 inmnature and " soft " they will need considerable hay, 

 preferably grain hay, to supplement the lush grass. 

 Again when the pasturage becomes scant they will need 

 and will consume more hay. Give them good, clean, 

 fresh hay, in boxes arranged so that they cannot waste it, 



