They are quite different as one is often deadly while the other is a nuisance that can turn deadly if not remedied. Unless they are lactating, backyard goats shouldnt need concentrates. This being said, only feed goats and lambs a very small amount of hay each day, just enough for the goat or lamb to have three or four good mouthfuls. But if they are continually eating because they are feeding a large number of parasites inside their digestive system, then they will develop a hay belly. Its easy to see why this confusion can arise since bloated goats and goats suffering from hay belly have the same appearance. Come join the discussion about livestock, farming, gardening, DIY projects, hobbies, recipes, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! They are going to love it. It may even be grinding its teeth, which is often a clear sign of pain in goats. WebSLCG PRO TIP: If your goat has a large belly that is hard to the touch that could be the sign of bloat, a deadly condition in goats where gas becomes trapped in the rumen.

If the rumen is tight and the goat reacts like it's painful the it should be treated. I have 2 young wethers that have had a hay belly since I bought them last month. Often bloat occurs on the goats left side, but it can also impact both sides of the stomach. Club lamb people have all sorts of tricks for keeping their lambs sleek and trim, but I have never raised club lambs. Shes real healthy but I wish she would have taken after the Saanen instead of the Boer in her growth. However, a big belly sometimes called hay belly is a sign of malnutrition, either from a parasite overload or not getting enough milk. The first and most common way has to do with what experts deem as a hay belly. When it affects both sides, its less uncomfortable.

This overall causes them to look and feel larger indicating the need for weight loss through increased exercise and a stricter diet. To me, those kids look like they need to be checked/fecaled for worm load and worm type. A lot of people new to goats think a kid is fat when it has a big belly. This is a dangerous condition characterized by a build-up of gas that cant be released from the abdomen.

If you as a goat owner give enough attention to these kids you could avoid hay belly in kids.