How much hay does a meat goat need per day?

A 120 lb doe needs about 3.6 lb of hay daily (3% body weight).

How much land do meat goats need?

About 6–8 meat goats per acre of good browse, fewer on thin pasture. Rotational grazing doubles effective capacity.

What is the best meat goat breed for beginners?

Boer crosses are the most common. Kiko and Savanna breeds offer better parasite resistance in humid climates.

Raising Meat Goats: Feed, Space & Herd Management

Goat hay quick facts

A 120 lb meat doe on maintenance eats hay at 3% of body weight — about 3.6 lb per day. Good browse and pasture in season can cut hay needs in half.

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

Open goat feed & hay calculator

Meat goats such as Boer and Kiko are efficient converters of rough browse into lean protein. They thrive on marginal land where cattle cannot be stocked and require less daily management than dairy breeds.

Feed needs

A 120 lb meat doe on maintenance eats hay at 3% of body weight — about 3.6 lb per day. Good browse and pasture in season can cut hay needs in half.

Space requirements

Meat goats need 15 sq ft of barn shelter per head and a minimum of 200 sq ft of pasture or browse per animal, preferably rotational.

Water needs

Expect about 2 gal per goat per day. Does with nursing kids may drink up to 3 gal.

Tips for success

Breed for parasite resistance — FAMACHA scoring and selective deworming keep a herd sustainable.
Use rotational grazing on 4–6 paddocks to break parasite cycles and improve forage.
Market kids at 60–80 lb for optimal meat-to-feed conversion.

Common mistakes

Continuous grazing without rotation, which leads to heavy parasite loads.
Ignoring copper and selenium supplementation in deficient soils, causing white muscle disease.

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

Frequently asked questions

How much hay does a meat goat need per day?: A 120 lb doe needs about 3.6 lb of hay daily (3% body weight).
How much land do meat goats need?: About 6–8 meat goats per acre of good browse, fewer on thin pasture. Rotational grazing doubles effective capacity.
What is the best meat goat breed for beginners?: Boer crosses are the most common. Kiko and Savanna breeds offer better parasite resistance in humid climates.