Feeding/Weight Issues

[rwbwfarm]

I'll def. get loose minerals when I get grain again but should I give them the alfalfa pellets instead of the grain? They waste hay anyway so I'd probably go the pellet route.

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

We rely really heavily on alfalfa here, then add grain when necessary (weanlings/yearlings, gestating, lactating, working bucks, etc.) But even if they aren't getting grained the alfalfa is still the cornerstone of their nutrition. So here I'd work them up to the amount of alfalfa the herd is on (it's the same for nearly all) then, depending on how underweight they are, add in a little grain (and/or beet pulp) until they hit the body condition I'm aiming for. At that point it would just be a question of maintenance and grain may or may not be necessary, particularly if they're open/early bred and dry.

Alfalfa really isn't a supplement for us. It's the backbone of their diet. It's terribly expensive and I wish it weren't, but I can't argue with the results. Right now (and as long as it continues to be available) we're feeding a really nice quality alfalfa/orchard blend (60/40) along with limited browse. We feed pellets when the hay is unavailable along with bermuda.