The Milk Phase: Building the Foundation
The milk-feeding phase sets the foundation for rumen development, structural growth, and immune strength. It’s the key window to harness a kid’s growth potential not by pushing for maximum gains, but by supporting functional development: strong skeletal structure, a well-functioning rumen, and a balanced body composition.

Goats are naturally prone to internal fat storage. When kids grow too fast, the risk of excessive fattening increases. This not only hampers rumen development but can also affect organ function and negatively impact future milk production. In practice, we also see that rapid growth during the milk phase raises the risk of leg deformities. Umbilical hernias, whether genetic or infectious, can also worsen with excessive growth rates.

The goal is to stimulate balanced growth: sufficient skeletal development without unwanted fat accumulation.

Post-Weaning: Focus on Uniformity
After weaning, growth remains important, but the focus shifts. Fat accumulation is still a concern, as it can impact fertility and long-term development. At this stage, group variation in size and condition often increases. Especially with ad libitum feeding, finding the right balance between feed intake and even growth becomes a challenge. To prevent stragglers, keep group sizes to a maximum of 100 kids. Selection and close monitoring remain essential. By making timely adjustments, you prevent over-conditioning in the fastest growers while maintaining a strong, uniform group with well-developed rumens.

How to Support Optimal Growth
Optimal growth requires targeted management and continuous monitoring. Key points to focus on include:

• Monitor growth consistently and objectively. Our VitalKidMonitor helps you detect deviations early.
• Adjust promptly when growth veers off course. The Vitalvé curve shows you when to take action
• Switch to a less energy-dense milk replacer at around 3 to 4 weeks of age to avoid excessive fattening.
• Follow a structured and strategic weaning plan. Use the Vitalvé weaning protocol.
• Group kids based on size and condition to maintain uniformity.
• Aim for a steady and balanced growth curve throughout the rearing period.
• Adapt your feeding method to suit the group’s needs. Different groups require different strategies.

Maximum growth may sound appealing, but it's not always the best route. Optimal growth focuses on functional development. That’s how you raise healthy, high-performing dairy goats that can handle feed efficiently and produce sustainably. By monitoring actively and intervening when needed, you prevent issues and build a future-ready, resilient herd.

Curious about the VitalKidMonitor the Vitalvé curve, or our weaning protocol?
Request a free farm consult, no strings attached.
 

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Jelle Vogels

Division manager Canada