Free Goat Feed Cost calculator with clear step-by-step results.
Goat intake is best estimated as a percentage of body weight rather than a fixed quantity, since a 30 kg dairy doe and an 80 kg Boer buck differ enormously. Splitting that intake between forage and concentrate at their own prices gives the cost per goat per day that drives every stocking decision.
Dry matter intake
kg DM = body weight x intake percentage
Cost per head per day
Cost = forage kg x forage price + concentrate kg x concentrate price
Around 3% of body weight for maintenance, 3.5-4% for a lactating doe and up to 5% for fast-growing kids. Browse-heavy systems sit at the lower end because intake is limited by availability.
Maintenance, yes, on good quality browse. Lactation, late pregnancy and growth generally need concentrate to meet energy and protein demand.