I love my goats and have them as pets and friends, not just animals that I feed and will not benefit from. I have become accustomed to feeding my goats whatever I eat and table scraps that suit them.
I recently added yams to my diet because I learned about their great health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and reduces cholesterol. So I thought of offering it to my goats so that they get these benefits. But I did not find anything certain, as there are different opinions about feeding yams to goats!
We have done our comprehensive research to bring you comprehensive information about feeding yams to goats. In the following lines, let’s learn about the most important nutritional benefits of yams for goats and the most important tips for introducing them to goats.
Can Goats Eat Yams?
Yes, goats can eat yams, as they can be a good nutritious addition to a goat’s diet. Yams are rich in vitamins and minerals and are a nutritious food.
But it should not be served in large quantities or as a main meal or the sole source of nutrition. Rather, yams should be fed to goats in moderation because too much of them will cause digestive problems such as bloating and diarrhea! This is what you should avoid for your goats.
Goats require a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, including vegetables and fruits in appropriate quantities, in addition to their main food hay and grains.
Is Sweet Potatoes Different From Yams?
Many of us think that yams and sweet potatoes are the same thing, but in reality, they are two completely different vegetables. It’s true that they are both root vegetables, but there are significant differences between them.[1]
The sweet potato is a root tuber that comes in many varieties and can be orange, purple, or white. But in general, the most common variety has smooth brown-pink skin with bright orange flesh with a sweeter taste.
Yam is also a root plant, but it comes in a cylindrical shape, its skin is often dark brown, similar to bark, and it has white flesh. Its flesh is drier, less sweet, and creamier than sweet potatoes and is more like a russet potato.
But in any case, they are both good foods that constitute one of the important elements in healthy diets. Neither sweet potato nor yam is nutritionally superior to the other. But sweet potatoes may contain yams in that they contain more protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber.
Benefits of Feeding Yams to Goats.
Here are some benefits that explains why you should feed yams to your goats:
Improving the General Health of Goats
One of the most important benefits of feeding yams to goats is that it helps improve the general health of goats because it contains many essential vitamins and minerals. It also helps prevent urinary tract infections and improves immune functions.
Improve Digestion and Digestive Health
Yams contain a high percentage of fiber, so they improve digestion in goats. The fiber found in yams contributes greatly to balancing the nutritional needs of goats. This fiber plays a pivotal role in goat production as a result of its effect and interaction with the intake and digestion of nutrients.
Dietary fiber intake affects chewing quality and rumen fermentation. In high-producing dairy goats, fiber intake plays a role in preventing milk fat depression by maintaining an appropriate acetate-to-propionate ratio in the rumen fluid.
A Great Source of Antioxidants
Yams are rich in antioxidants. Therefore, it helps protect goats from oxidative stress and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Antioxidants also play an important role in improving the overall health of goats and the overall well-being of goats, as they help maintain healthy skin and coat in good condition.
Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
Yams have a low glycemic index. This indicates that they release sugar into the bloodstream slowly, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels and thus preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. It is very important for goat health as it protects them from diabetes or insulin resistance.
A Feeling of Fullness and Warmth
Yams contain a high content of carbohydrates, so they help goats feel full longer. They also provide an excellent source of energy which helps keep them warm during cold weather.
How to Feed Yams to Goats?
Here are 7 tips on properly feeding yams to your goats:
1. Choosing Good Yams for Goats
Choose high-quality yams that are firm and free of any signs of rot, decay, or mold. So as not to harm the goats and cause them sick symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Wash the Yams Well
It is necessary to prepare yams properly for goats so that they get the benefits and avoid any harm. Therefore, you must wash the yams well to remove any dirt or pesticide residue. Then cut it into small pieces, about bite size.
3. Cooking Yam
It is not recommended to feed goats raw yams or even yam skins. The tissues and skins of yams are usually difficult and dry to digest, and in addition, they expose goats to the risk of suffocation. Therefore, it is recommended to bake or boil the yams before offering them to goats so that they become soft and easy to chew.
4. Give Yams to Goats in Moderation
It is not correct, once you know that this food is beneficial for goats, that you offer it to goats without restrictions. Although yams are beneficial for goats, they should be given to goats only in moderation. Too many yams can lead to digestive problems for goats and may lead to weight gain.
5. To Be a Side Meal
It is important to note that yams should not be served as a main meal or be the sole source of nutrition for goats. But it should be a snack that is part of a balanced diet. Yams should be combined with goat diets, which include hay, fresh grass, and other vegetables.
6. Introduce the Yam Gradually
There are individual differences as some goats may show symptoms of allergy to yam. So as with any new food, you should introduce the yams slowly and then monitor the goats’ reactions and their compatibility with this new food.
If all is well, you can continue to provide yams and increase the doses. However, if you notice any signs of discomfort or illness in your goats, Such as lethargy or loss of appetite, you should stop feeding them yams immediately and then consult your veterinarian.
7. Try Different Types of Yams to See What Your Goats Prefer
There are different types of yams such as Chinese yams, Japanese yams, and others. Each type of yam has its own unique flavor, but they are all nutritious for your goats and provide similar nutritional benefits to your goats. So you should try a variety of yams to find out what your goats enjoy most.
How Many Yams Does Your Goat Need?
As we mentioned, when introducing yams into your goats’ diet, the quantities must be moderate, and care must be taken to provide small quantities while gradually increasing the quantity over time after your goats show good results after eating yams.
But you can follow the rule of thumb that recommends providing about 1-2 pieces of yam per adult goat per day. Taking into account adjusting this quantity according to the goats’ individual needs and appetites.
Side Effects of Feeding Yam to Goats
Although yams are a healthy addition to your goat’s diet, you should be aware that there are some potential risks to consider when feeding yams to your goats.
Digestive System Problems
Feeding too many yams to your goats can cause problems in the digestive system, which may appear in a series of symptoms, the most important of which is diarrhea.
Kidney Problems
Potatoes contain a compound called oxalate. This compound can cause kidney stones if consumed by goats in large quantities.
Obesity
Yams are a high-carbohydrate food source. Some goats are more sensitive than others to carbohydrate-rich foods. So yams can cause them to gain excessive weight and may lead to insulin resistance.
In conclusion, we found that goats can eat yams, but you should introduce them gradually, taking into account adjusting the quantity according to the individual nutritional differences of the goats.
With a need to provide a balanced diet for the goats that contains a variety of foods, fresh hay, grains, and clean water to ensure that your goats get all the nutrients they need to ensure their health. His well-being and long life.
