Goats are among the hardest of all small livestock animals. They are highly adaptable and can live in various climates with little human intervention. But do goats need heat in the wintertime? Keep reading to find out!
Do Goats need Heat in the Winter?
Winter months for goats can be bleak and dreary, but one thing is for certain: goats do need heat in the winter to ensure their health and safety.
This is especially true for baby and elderly goats, more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep your goats warm during winter.
Types of Goats That Need Heat in Winter
Goats are a type of livestock known for their hardy winter temperaments. However, during cold months, goat farmers must look out for certain breeds of goats that require additional winter care and heat. The type of goat you keep determines how much warmth they need in the winter.
Depending on their breed, some goats require a warmer environment during winter and sometimes even additional heat sources to ensure their health and well-being.
1. Pygmy Goats
Pygmy goats are one breed of goat that benefit from having additional warmth and heat during winter. Although Pygmy goats are accustomed to cold weather, they require shelter to retain the warmth of their body.
Other heat sources, such as a barn heater, can help keep the barn warm so that the pygmy goats are not exposed to extreme cold.
2. Dairy Goats
Dairy goats also can require additional heat during winter. It is especially true for lactating does, who need more energy to produce enough milk for their kids.
Dairy goats benefit from a warm, dry environment and should not be out in the cold during winter. A barn or space heater can help ensure your barn maintains the correct temperature.
3. Angora Goats
Angora goats have heavy fur coats and have difficulty maintaining a consistent body temperature. You can provide additional heat sources should be provided to ensure the health and well-being of Angora goats during the cold months.
These goats thrive in warm environments and should be given shelter when the temperature drops significantly.
4. Nubian Goats
Nubian goats require special consideration during colder months. They are a relatively hardy breed, but their floppy ears can make them prone to frostbite.
To prevent this, keep a space heater or barn heater running to ensure the temperature remains above 65F. A warm barn environment can help Nubian goats stay healthy and thrive in winter.
5. Fainting Goats
Fainting goats are known for their unique temperaments and should always be out of the cold. Fainting goats are more prone to health issues in cold climates, and additional heat is required to keep these goats healthy and active during winter.
A heated barn and shelter can help keep these goats healthy, especially during extended cold periods.
6. Boer Goats
Although they are a hardy breed, Boer goats will benefit from having extra heat during the winter. This breed is more vulnerable to cold weather than other breeds and should be provided with additional space heaters or barn heaters to ensure the environment is warm enough for their health and well-being.
Factors that influence the need for heat by goats in the winter
Climate Change
One of the factors contributing to the pressures placed on goats in some regions is climate change. As temperatures increase and become more variable, goats cannot withstand the winter, and their diets become increasingly poor.
It reduces their average size and weight. Without an abundant supply of clean, nutritious food, the goats’ health decreases, making them more prone to diseases and other health problems.
Change in Land Use
In addition to climate change, a change in land-use patterns in these countries has also contributed to the goat crisis. The conversion of grasslands to cropland for cereal production and biofuel crops has reduced the amount of land available for grazing.
It has led to a decrease in the number of goats in some regions and an increase in the number of other farm animals.
As the demand for food, particularly grain, rises, more land has to be converted for agricultural purposes, further reducing the amount of habitat available for goat grazing, thus resulting in the need for heat during winter.
Winter Crisis
Increasingly, people are turning to artificial methods of heat and nutrition for some goats. These include homemade water heaters and nutrition supplements to give the goats a better chance of survival in the winter climate.
What to do if Goats need Heat?
Goats have a unique and essential role in rural and farming communities worldwide. Given their size, they often require certain external conditions to stay comfortable and healthy. One of the most critical external conditions is their need for warmth and temperature control.
In cold climates, it’s not uncommon for goats to start to suffer from the cold, especially during winter. To ensure that your goats stay healthy and comfortable, there are a few steps you should take if you believe that your goats need heat.
1. Provide Warm Bedding and Winter Clothing
The first step is to ensure your goat has access to warm, dry bedding that they can use to keep themselves warm during the night. Straw and hay can be used to good effect, although a thick layer may be necessary to retain the heat effectively.
If your goats are kept in an indoor pen, adding a few extra layers of clothing is a good idea to keep them warm. Goatskin coats, gloves, and boots can provide insulation in the colder months.
2. Move Goats to Warmer Shelters
It’s always a good idea to supply your goats with access to a warm shelter. It could be a barn or shed on your property, or you may even be able to rent out space in another person’s barn.
3. Provide Additional Heat Sources
If your goats are outdoors, you can help provide additional heat sources. Portable heating lamps, heated water tanks, and unique heated mats are all good choices. Ensure you never leave the heat sources on while no one is around, as this could create a dangerous fire risk.
4. Feed Goats More
Feeding your goats more during the winter can help them to stay warmer. Goats generally eat more during winter anyway, so increasing the size and frequency of their meals may be the best option.
5. Monitor Goats for Signs of Cold Stress
Finally, monitoring your goats for signs of stress in cold weather is essential. These may include lethargy, periods of shivering, frostbite, and decreased appetite. If you suspect your goats are suffering from cold stress, you should increase their warmth levels as soon as possible.
Following these steps, you should ensure that your goats stay safe, comfortable, and healthy in the winter.
Final Thoughts
Goats are adaptable, but depending on the breed and region, they may need additional care and attention in the winter months to stay healthy and comfortable. With a little planning and extra preparation, you can ensure that your goats have a safe and warm winter.
