How much hay does a dairy goat eat per day?

A 130 lb doe in milk at 4% body weight eats about 5.2 lb of hay per day.

How much water does a lactating goat need?

About 3 gal per day. Keep water fresh and accessible — dehydration drops milk production quickly.

How many bales do I need for winter?

One 130 lb doe eating 5.2 lb/day for a 120-day winter needs about 13 bales of 50 lb hay.

What grain do dairy goats need?

Feed roughly 1 lb of grain per 2.5 lb of milk produced. Dry or maintenance does need at most 0.5 lb/day.

Raising Dairy Goats: Feed, Hay & Milk Production Guide

Goat hay quick facts

A 130 lb dairy doe in milk eats hay at 4% of body weight per day — that is 5.2 lb of hay daily. Grain supplements at roughly 1 lb per 2.5 lb of milk produced support peak production.

For a detailed breakdown with winter bale counts and grain estimates, use the full calculator:

Open goat feed & hay calculator

Dairy goats turn brush and hay into fresh milk for a household. A pair of does in rotation can provide milk nearly year-round with sound feeding and regular milking.

Feed needs

A 130 lb dairy doe in milk eats hay at 4% of body weight per day — that is 5.2 lb of hay daily. Grain supplements at roughly 1 lb per 2.5 lb of milk produced support peak production.

Space requirements

Each dairy goat needs 15–20 sq ft of barn space and 200 sq ft of outdoor browse or exercise area. Fence to at least 4 ft with woven wire or cattle panels.

Water needs

Lactating does drink about 3 gal per day. Non-lactating goats need roughly 2 gal per day. Provide fresh, clean water at all times.

Tips for success

Offer free-choice loose goat minerals (not blocks) — goats cannot lick blocks efficiently.
Milk on a strict 12-hour schedule to maximize production and prevent mastitis.
Rotate browse areas every few weeks and trim hooves every 6–8 weeks to prevent foot rot.

Common mistakes

Feeding cattle minerals to goats — goats need higher copper levels that cattle minerals lack.
Overfeeding grain to dry does, which causes obesity and kidding complications.

Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.

Frequently asked questions

How much hay does a dairy goat eat per day?: A 130 lb doe in milk at 4% body weight eats about 5.2 lb of hay per day.
How much water does a lactating goat need?: About 3 gal per day. Keep water fresh and accessible — dehydration drops milk production quickly.
How many bales do I need for winter?: One 130 lb doe eating 5.2 lb/day for a 120-day winter needs about 13 bales of 50 lb hay.
What grain do dairy goats need?: Feed roughly 1 lb of grain per 2.5 lb of milk produced. Dry or maintenance does need at most 0.5 lb/day.