De KlompMike & Jenalyn · Santander, Cebu
Menu

🌾 Supporting the Herd

Supporting the Herd

We grow more of our own goat feed every year, but some things still come from outside the homestead. That's not failure — that's balance. Producing what we can and buying what we must is part of building a resilient life.

Goat kids at De Klomp Homestead

The honest balance

Producing what we can. Buying what we must. Sharing what we learn.

Producing what we can. Buying what we must. Sharing what we learn.

We try to produce as much as we practically can from our own land, but we don't pretend to be 100% self-sufficient. Some things are smarter or necessary to buy, especially minerals and supplemental feed.

These items support goat health, milk production, growth, and resilience while the feeding forest develops. They're part of the system — not a confession that the system failed.

What we still buy

Each item plays a role — none of them replace good forage or careful observation.

Mineral block / mineral stone

What it does
Provides minerals that may not always be available from pasture, fodder leaves, or local soil.
Why we buy it
Forage and soil do not always give goats everything they need. A mineral block lets them take what they are short on without us guessing the dose.
How we use it
Kept in a dry spot the goats can reach freely. They lick or chew what they need, when they need it.

De Klomp note

A mineral block is one of those simple things that can make a big difference. The goats decide how much they need, and we keep it available as part of their daily support system.

Loose minerals and salt

What it does
Supports mineral intake and helps cover possible gaps in forage.
Why we buy it
Sometimes we want minerals available in a form goats can consume easily alongside their regular feed — especially when leaves and pasture vary by season.
How we use it
Offered in a dedicated feeder, kept fresh and protected from rain. Refreshed as needed.

De Klomp note

Soil, rain, plant age, and local growing conditions all affect what ends up in the leaves. Minerals are one place where we prefer to be careful instead of guessing.

Goat pellets

What it does
Used as a supplement, not as the foundation of the diet. Helpful when goats need extra support.
Why we buy it
Useful when milk demand, growth, or lean seasons need more than the feeding forest provides yet.
How we use it
Fed in measured amounts alongside browse and greens — never the whole diet.

De Klomp note

Pellets are convenient, but they are not the dream. The long-term goal is more feed from our own land and less dependency on bags from the store.

Molasses

What it does
Can improve palatability and provide quick energy when used carefully.
Why we buy it
Helps picky eaters accept new feeds and can give a careful energy boost when we need it.
How we use it
Mixed sparingly into feed or water — a small amount goes a long way.

De Klomp note

Molasses is useful, but it is not magic. We see it as a tool, not something to overuse.

Pollard

What it does
A supplemental feed ingredient that can add energy and support body condition when needed.
Why we buy it
Bridges the gap while we are still growing more homegrown fodder volume on the land.
How we use it
Mixed with other feeds in moderate amounts, especially during demanding periods.

De Klomp note

Pollard is one of those practical ingredients that can help fill gaps, especially while we are still building the feeding forest.

Rumen support / rumen feed

What it does
Supports digestion and rumen function, especially during diet changes or when extra support is needed.
Why we buy it
New leaves, new seasons, and new supplements can stress digestion. This gives extra support when we need it.
How we use it
Introduced gradually according to product guidance, especially when changing the feed mix.

De Klomp note

Goats are not machines. Their digestion needs time and balance. Any new feed is introduced gradually while we watch how they respond.

De Klomp note

We're homesteaders, not veterinarians or animal nutritionists. This page shares what we use and why we use it on our own homestead. Every herd is different. Always introduce feeds gradually and make decisions that fit your own animals and local conditions.

Keep exploring

Follow the herd and the homestead

We share what we learn about goats, feed, and building a resilient life on the land.

Read the JournalGoats & Feeding Forest