![]() Goats should never be crowded as they are very active and require more individual space. For example, allow 20 to 30 square feet for each cow and 10 square feet per goat. Rotating the pasture areas every two or three weeks balances the nitrogen and reduces parasites.Ĭattle indeed take more space when sheltering them. This way of managing pasture areas brings cattle and goats together to maintain a healthy, safe environment. Pasture rotation works very well for co-grazing. This creates a more balanced pasture overall, preventing the land from becoming too heavy with several species. Goats eat forage or weeds such as ironweed, brush, and multiflora roses that cows will not touch, so adding goats does not decrease the number of cows grazing per acre. They eat some of the same legumes, but in general, the two species choose their own foods. Be sure to watch, at first, for any problems.Ĭows’ and goats’ diets differ though both are ruminants. Then, after several weeks, allow them to intermingle in a barnyard or smaller pasture. Placing the herds in adjoining pasture areas can help them become aware of each other before turning the goats in with the cattle. One suggestion is to introduce the cows and goats slowly to accept each other. Putting adult animals together should be a slow process. Keep in mind that younger animals adjust easier. As always, the number of animals depends on the amount of pasture vegetation. Consider two cows per acre and three to four goats per acre if grazing together. Indeed, there are many benefits for co-grazing cattle and goats. Farmers must do everything to keep both goats and cattle safe and healthy. In fact, everything from feeding to parasites and safety must be understood and evaluated. What kinds of food they prefer, how they adjust to climates, what facilities are needed, and how much space is needed. Then, too, the producer must be versed in both cattle and goat needs. Another important consideration is that working with both kinds of animals means introducing the two kinds of animals. Differing in size, cows and goats require different feed amounts. There are a number of factors to consider in the ownership and co-grazing of goats and cows. However, those dairy goats with good bloodlines can be quite expensive. Goats require less investment than cattle. Reportedly, it is more difficult to plan a year’s milk supply because goats breed only during the fall and winter months. They can inhabit smaller facilities and graze on smaller pastures. ![]() Most goats live from eight to ten years cows live from four to six years.Ĭonsider two cows per acre and three to four goats per acre if grazing together.īeing smaller, goats take less room than larger cows. For example, dairy goats are one-sixth the size of a cow, and have a longer productive life. Naturally, these animals are different in many ways. Co-grazing these animals means a weight gain for animals, but also improved land health. This combination not only maximizes space, but it uses pastureland more efficiently. Yes, goats and cows can live together they can be companions in keeping the soil in good condition and maintaining profitability. Under the right circumstances, goats and cows can complement each other on farms and ranches.
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