Apple Cider Vinegar for Goats
Apple Cider Vinegar for Goats is a part of our natural livestock care routine because it helps to raise robust animals. Not only is it good for health but it has other benefits as well.
From old-timer tips to new advice, learn how to raise dairy goats without always relying on medicines and chemicals.
When I first added goats to our homestead, I worried all the time. Are they healthy? Are the kids healthy? Am I doing all that I can for them?
As time went on, I met other goat farmers, and from them, I learned more advice than I could find in a book.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Goats
One of the most common pieces of advice I received was to add apple cider vinegar to my goats’ diet. This simple and natural ingredient has been used for centuries as a health tonic for both humans and animals.
Not only do we use it with our goats, but we also use it with our ducks and chickens.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is made from fermented apples and contains a variety of beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and minerals. It is rich in vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
It is made by crushing apples and extracting the juice, then adding yeast to ferment the sugars into alcohol. Bacteria is then added to turn the alcohol into acetic acid, which gives ACV its strong smell and taste.
The “Mother” in ACV
One important thing to look for when purchasing ACV for your goats is the “mother”. This is the cloudy, stringy substance that forms during the fermentation process and contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes.
Look for unfiltered and unpasteurized ACV with the mother intact. This is where most of the health benefits come from.
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Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Goats
Adding apple cider vinegar to your goats’ diet can provide a range of benefits, including:
-Improved Digestion: ACV helps maintain a healthy pH balance in the digestive tract, which can aid digestion and prevent issues such as bloat or diarrhea.
-Better Coat and Skin: The high levels of vitamins and minerals in ACV can help improve the condition of your goat’s coat and skin.
-Boosted Immune System: The beneficial bacteria in ACV can help support a healthy immune system, keeping your goats hardy and able to fight off infections and diseases.
-First Aid: ACV can be used topically on wounds and skin irritations to help clean and disinfect the area.
-Milk production: Some goat owners believe that adding ACV to their goats’ diet can increase milk production. I have tried it in our own herd, and I have seen a difference with some of our milkers.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Goats
There are a few different ways you can incorporate apple cider vinegar into your goats’ diet. The best part is that most goats love the taste and will meet you at the gate if you know you have some with you.
#1. Add it to their water
The easiest way to give ACV to your herd is in their water. This is a less messy approach and helps you to easily see who is getting a dose and who is not.
- Portion: Add 1 tablespoon of ACV to a gallon of water and fill a bowl in each shelter.
- Frequency: Weekly
#2. Mix it with feed
Another option is to mix it into the feed which is helpful if your goats are picky drinkers.
- Portion: Mix 1 tablespoon of ACV into their grain or feed.
- Frequency: You can do this daily or weekly.
#3. Use a drench
A drench is basically mixing medicine, in this case ACV, with water and administering it with a syringe directly into the goat’s mouth. This method should only be used if you have a goat that needs a dose because drenching can be stressful for both the goat and owner.
- Portion: Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with 1 cup of warm water and administer using a syringe.
- Frequency: Do only as needed.
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Things to Know
Although ACV has many benefits for goats, there are some precautions you should take when adding it to their diet:
- Dilute it properly: Always dilute ACV before giving it to your goats. Undiluted ACV can cause mouth or throat irritation.
- Don’t give too much: Too much ACV can lead to digestive issues. I find that a weekly does is all our herd needs to be hardy and healthy. If you are unsure, please contact your vet for advice.
- Quality matters: Make sure to use organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best results. You also want to look for ACV that contains the mother.
- Watch for changes: As with any new supplement, keep an eye on your goats for any adverse reactions or changes in behavior. If you notice anything concerning, stop giving them ACV immediately and consult your vet.
Using ACV in the Summer
Since ACV is made from apples and contains sugar, be careful when using it in the summer months as it can attract. If your goats are not consuming ACV water or finishing their ACV feed, you will want to remove it after a bit to keep the flies away.
ACV and Breeding
There is one tip I learned long ago from an older goat farmer that I use to this day. ACV will help your buck throw more girls when breeding.
To implement this tip, add ACV to your buck’s diet a few weeks before breeding season. This will help balance his pH levels and make it easier for him to produce more female offspring. Just remember not to give too much, as mentioned above.
Can you Give ACV to Goat Kids?
Yes, you can give ACV to goat kids, however, it is important to start slow and dilute the ACV even more than for adult goats.
A good rule of thumb is to start with a quarter teaspoon diluted in their water and gradually increase as they grow. It can provide the same benefits for kids, such as improving digestion and overall health.
Apple cider vinegar is a great natural supplement for raising hardy goats. It can provide numerous benefits, such as improved digestion, increased milk production, and even help with breeding. Remember to go slow when starting out, stick to recommended dosages, and introduce ACV to your herd slowly.
When raising goats, finding natural ways to encourage a healthier animal will limit illness in the herd. This includes feed, water, and additives that are known to be good for goats in your area. Always do your research and start out slowly so your animals can adapt to any changes you implement.
ACV is just one example of a natural supplement that can benefit your goat’s health and well-being. There are many other options out there such as herbs, essential oils, and
More Goat Care Guides:
- How to Create a Goat Deworming Schedule
- Goat Care Checklist
- Goat Health Checklist
