Monthly Feed Cost
$43
Annual
$516
Hay/Day
5.0 lbs
Goats
3
$43
$516
5.0 lbs
0.0 lbs
Daily Feed Per Goat
5.0
lbs hay
0.0
lbs grain
0.5
oz minerals
Monthly Cost Breakdown
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Inputs
Result
A 150-lb lactating doe producing 1 gallon/day needs about 5 lbs of hay plus 2.5 lbs of grain (1 lb grain per 3 lbs milk). Monthly cost is approximately $60–$75.
Inputs
Result
A 100-lb meat goat on good pasture needs 2–3% body weight in forage. Good pasture covers most needs; supplement hay only when pasture is thin.
Inputs
Result
Growing kids need higher protein (16%) for skeletal development. At 40 lbs and 4 months, they consume about 6% of body weight daily including forage and grain.
Goats eat 3–5% of their body weight in dry feed daily. A 100-lb goat consumes 3–5 lbs per day, while a 150-lb dairy goat in milk needs 5–8 lbs total (hay plus grain). On average, an adult goat should be fed about 5 lbs of quality forage and hay per day.
| Goat Type | Body Weight | Daily Hay | Daily Grain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat (maintenance) | 100 lbs | 2–3 lbs | 0–0.5 lbs |
| Dairy (dry) | 150 lbs | 3–4.5 lbs | 0.5–1 lb |
| Dairy (milking) | 150 lbs | 4.5–6 lbs | 1–2 lbs |
| Growing kid | 40 lbs | 1–1.5 lbs | 0.5–1 lb |
Most goat owners use a 16% protein textured or pelleted goat feed. Feed 1 lb of grain for every 3 lbs of milk produced for dairy does. Meat goats on pasture may need only 12–14% protein grain. Never feed cattle feed – it often contains urea and copper levels toxic to goats.
| Grain Type | Protein % | Cost/50 lbs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textured goat feed | 16% | $15–$20 | General purpose |
| Pelleted dairy feed | 18% | $18–$25 | High-producing does |
| Whole oats | 12% | $12–$16 | Maintenance/bucks |
Yes, goats require loose minerals formulated specifically for goats. They need copper, selenium, and zinc that sheep minerals lack. Provide free-choice loose goat minerals at all times – goats consume about 0.5–1 oz per day.
| Mineral Type | Daily Amount | Annual Cost/Goat |
|---|---|---|
| Loose goat minerals | 0.5–1 oz | $15–$25 |
| Baking soda (free choice) | 0.25–0.5 oz | $5–$8 |
| Kelp supplement | 0.25 oz | $10–$15 |
Monthly feed costs range from $25–$40 for a meat goat on pasture to $50–$80 for a dairy goat in milk. Hay is the biggest expense at $5–$10 per bale, and a dairy doe may consume 4–6 bales per month depending on bale size and hay quality.
| Goat Type | Monthly Feed Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Meat (pasture) | $25–$35 | $300–$420 |
| Dairy (dry) | $35–$50 | $420–$600 |
| Dairy (milking) | $50–$80 | $600–$960 |
| Growing kid | $20–$30 | $240–$360 |
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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.