Norman Kabiswa, a goat farmer in Nalusuga, Wakiso district, learned the hard way why moderation is key when feeding goats. After harvesting maize, he decided to give his goats some of the grains as a treat.
“They seemed to love it,” he recalls.
But just a day later, he lost two goats, while others showed signs of discomfort, especially bloated stomachs.
“I didn’t know maize could be dangerous,” he says.
Peter Mubiru, a veterinary doctor, explains that goats do not regulate their consumption of maize.
“Grains like maize are rich in starch, unlike grass. When consumed in excess, the starch ferments quickly in the rumen, producing large amounts of lactic acid,” he says.
This sudden acid buildup causes acidosis, a condition that leads to bloating, discomfort, and in severe cases, death.
Terezia Nsabimaana, another experienced goat farmer, advises fellow farmers to use grains as a supplement, not the main diet.
“Grain can be beneficial in small amounts, especially for pregnant or lactating does, but overfeeding is dangerous,” she says.
She recommends mixing grains with fibrous feeds like hay or grass to reduce the risk.
Phoebe Kagambe, who runs a successful goat project in Kyenjojo, says she only gives her goats grain once or twice a week in small portions.
“It’s tempting to feed them maize daily because they enjoy it, but long-term health matters more than short-term satisfaction,” she says.
The safest path is a balanced diet, rich in roughage, with minimal grain, to keep goats healthy and productive.
