Recommended Products
GOgoat Whey — Full whey milk replacer formulated specifically for goat kids — developed for New Zealand conditions and reliably digestible from day two.
Milligans MMR — Our versatile multi-species formula — ideal for mixed operations rearing goat kids alongside other young animals. Available in 2kg, 5kg, 10kg and 20kg.
GOmulti — Whey and casein blended — a practical multi-species option for farms rearing more than one type of young animal.
ExcelPlus Colostrum — Where doe colostrum is unavailable or insufficient.
Housing and Hygiene
Goat kids require secure, clean and dry shelter. Each newborn needs approximately 1m² of space — this doubles by three weeks. Provide warm bedding and ensure the area is dust-free.
Dip navels in alcohol-based iodine immediately after birth. Keep all feeding equipment thoroughly clean between every feed.
Colostrum
Goat kids should receive doe colostrum within the first 2 hours of birth — at least 10% of their bodyweight in the first 24 hours. Goat-specific colostrum is preferable where possible. Bovine colostrum or ExcelPlus Colostrum can be used where doe colostrum is unavailable.
Continue colostrum for days 1–2 and transition milk for days 3–4 before introducing milk replacer.
Feeding Guide
GOgoat Whey or Milligans MMR from day 4–5. Little and often — same principle as lambs.
Feeding schedule (160g/L):
| Age | Feeds per day | Volume per feed |
|---|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | 4 | 250mL |
| Day 8–21 | 3 | 450mL |
| Day 22 to weaning | 2 | 500mL |
Mix at 38–40°C every feed.
Water and dry feed — Fresh water available at all times. Offer solid feed from day 7. Goat kids are natural browsers and begin exploring solid feed earlier than most other young animals — encourage this from week one.
Weaning — Criteria: At least 40 days old, at least 16kg bodyweight, eating solid feed for a minimum of 21 days, showing rumination and drinking water freely. Reduce milk volumes gradually rather than stopping abruptly.
Top Tips
- Little and often — always. The same overfeeding risk as lambs. Small stomachs, high bloat risk. Keep volumes consistent and frequency high, especially in the first two weeks.
- Use their natural curiosity. Goat kids are inquisitive browsers by nature. Put quality hay or browse in front of them from week one and their instincts will do the work.
- Temperature every feed. 38–40°C without fail. Even small variations in temperature cause digestive upsets in goat kids.
- Keep doe colostrum where you can. Collect and freeze surplus doe colostrum early in the season as a backup supply — goat-specific colostrum is always preferable to bovine.
- Watch teat hole size. Same risk as lambs — if milk flows freely without suckling, the hole is too big and bloat risk increases significantly.
- Watch for enterotoxaemia. Goat kids can be susceptible to pulpy kidney. Speak to your vet about an appropriate vaccination programme for your operation.
Common Health Issues
The health profile for goat kids is similar to lambs — bloat, scouring and watery mouth are the primary concerns.
Bloat
Same causes and risks as in lambs. Feed little and often. Consistent timing and temperature. Meticulous equipment hygiene. A probiotic added to milk. Contact your vet immediately if bloat is suspected — 75–100% of cases are fatal.
Scouring
Isolate, electrolytes, continue milk as recommended. Allow at least 2 hours between electrolytes and milk. Contact vet if not resolved by day 4.
Respiratory infection
Signs include coughing, laboured breathing, droopy ears and dull eyes. Isolate, provide electrolytes in case of dehydration, contact vet for antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.