The Grass-Legume Mix

• Goats have a shorter digestive tract than other ruminants and are less able to digest cell wall material. Hay and other dry forage will not long sustain a goat, which requires significant inputs of carbohydrates and protein. For sustainable pastures, sod grasses need to be mixed with legumes to ensure nitrogen fixation in the soil and prevent erosion. Goats will eat the grasses first but not take them up by the roots; so when grasses are eaten short, the goats will turn to the legumes. Orchard grass and bluegrass are a good combination, in conjunction with red clover or hairy vetch as legumes.