I believe this is another benefit of running cattle and goats together, as the cattle keep the predators at bay. Our main predators locally are coyotes and buzzards. Predators are always a concern with livestock. We originally fenced this pasture for goats, so it has net wire on the perimeter, therefore keeping the goats contained isn’t an issue for us. This allows us to feed the goats in the barn, while the cattle are fed in the pasture.Ĭhallenges I’ve read about for other producers are fencing and predators. We welded a panel so that it had holes large enough for the goats to walk through, but not so large the cattle could get through. Our solution was what we call a creep feeder gate. With the size difference between the cattle and goats, and the goats’ lack of respect for personal space, we knew we would need a way to feed them separately. While our livestock survive mainly on forages during the spring, summer, and fall, we do supplement with grain throughout the year, and especially through winter. The main issue we faced was when it came time to feed. There are a few challenges with the multi-species grazing. Cattle and horses grazed with sheep and goats help to break parasite life cycles because the sheep and goat parasites cannot survive in those other species.” Challenges While sheep and goats share many of the same parasites, cattle and horses do not. An article from Penn State Extension summarizes: “Multi-species grazing also contributes to breaking the parasite life cycle. Internal parasites are the number one struggle of small ruminant producers. The most important benefit? Parasite control.
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