Ruminants

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To succesfuly convert the wide range of grasses, broadleaf, and misc vegetation to food we need ruminants, but which ones? This page intends to explore the common ruminants of goats, cattle, sheep and come up with an optimal grazing strategy for given landscapes.

See also: Rabbits

http://www.caf.wvu.edu/avs/sheep/PDF/Newsletters/NLSPRING05.pdf This study here suggests that given cattles strong preference for grass and goats ability to munch a grass and other vegetation that a mixed grazing system may be optimal. Sheep also can be thrown in the mix particularly if wool is desired.

Pasture Sizing Requirements:

• http://www.kindergoats.com/ - Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [, spoken "Kin-dur".] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against it's larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat than the other dairy breeds. Another advantage over other breeds is that the Kinder will breed all year long so you can rotate your milking does and always have plenty of milk. The milk is also higher in protein and butterfat so better for making cheese. This little goat was developed for the small farmstead. The primary lady behind this breed is a long time prepper and has always believed the Kinder will get the job done when other goats fail. For further information, see KinderGoat.com or contact Pat Showalter, primary founder and president of the Kinder Goat Breeder's Association at kinderzed@aol.com.