How to grow goat faster and healthy?

Raising healthy, fast-growing goats requires attention to nutrition, housing, and health management. Having raised goats for over a decade, here's what really works:

Nutrition is the foundation - good quality hay (alfalfa for kids, mixed grass for adults) should be available 24/7. Supplement with grain specifically formulated for goats, adjusting amounts based on age and purpose (meat, dairy, or pets). Fresh, clean water is absolutely essential - goats drink a lot!

Proper parasite control is crucial for growth. Work with your vet to establish a deworming schedule based on fecal exams. Minerals specifically for goats (with copper!) should always be available - loose minerals are often consumed better than blocks.

Adequate space, proper shelter from weather, and companionship (goats are herd animals!) all reduce stress and promote growth. Regular hoof trimming and vaccinations complete the health picture.

The Goat Wisdom blog has some fantastic detailed resources!

As someone who raises Boer meat goats specifically for fast growth, here are my key strategies:

Start with good genetics - that's 50% of the battle right there. For meat goats, Boers or Kikos have the best growth rates. Kids need colostrum immediately after birth - this sets them up for life. I bottle feed all kids with milk replacer formulated for goats, feeding 10-12% of body weight daily.

Weaning at 2-3 months, I transition them to high-quality alfalfa hay and a 16% protein grain ration. Free-choice minerals are a must! I use the 5-point body condition scoring system to monitor growth rather than just weight.

The biggest growth killer is parasites - I do fecal counts every 4-6 weeks and only deworm when needed to prevent resistance. Clean, dry bedding prevents bacterial issues that can stunt growth.

With this system, my Boer kids reach 60-80 pounds by 4 months consistently.