Goats and Cold

[SkyWarrior]

I'm being a weenie about this, I know. :/ The temperatures have dropped into the single digits,after having days in the 60s. The goats have a place to keep out of the wind and scattered hay and woodchips. How difficult will this be for them, if at all? I gave them extra grain tonight.

I guess I'm a worrier here.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

They will be fine If they can get out of the elements and stay dry, they will just fluff up their coats and cuddle at night. I know---I worry about my sweeties too sometimes and have to remind myself that they really are fine.

P.S. Not sure if this is why you gave extra grain but it does not actually create more "heat". Roughage produces more warmth in digestion than concentrates so tossing in some extra hay might help a little.

 

[Catahoula]

They will be fine If they can get out of the elements and stay dry, they will just fluff up their coats and cuddle at night. I know---I worry about my sweeties too sometimes and have to remind myself that they really are fine.

P.S. Not sure if this is why you gave extra grain but it does not actually create more "heat". Roughage produces more warmth in digestion than concentrates so tossing in some extra hay might help a little.

X2 with the extra hay.

 

[SheepGirl]

Alfalfa hay is said to be a 'hot' feed, which means it creates body heat when it's being digested.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Alfalfa hay is said to be a 'hot' feed, which means it creates body heat when it's being digested.

This is where the terminology confuses me and I don't think it is just me. When some people say hot/ cold feed, they are referring to the actual heat that the food produces in a ruminant as it is being digested, and in that case, roughage does create more heat than grain.

But then other people use hot/cold to mean how much energy is actually "in" the feed, and in that case, the term "hot" would be appropriate for something like corn and "cold" for hay.

A better explanation of what I mean....

http://range.colostate.edu/keepcattleonfeed.shtml

Not really sure which usage is more correct but it had me going "huh?" for awhile.

 

[SkyWarrior]

The grass hay I have is a very high quality second cutting and considered hot. Good to know that this will be good. I gave them more grain because of the extra calories. Animals need extra calories to stay warm, too.

Sounds okay?

 

[Catahoula]

The grass hay I have is a very high quality second cutting and considered hot. Good to know that this will be good. I gave them more grain because of the extra calories. Animals need extra calories to stay warm, too.

Sounds okay?

Haha...I have two very chubby wethers. I am hoping with the cold weather, they'd lose a few pounds. I will still give them some grains because they are still growing kids but I will judge their condition before adding grains. You are right also about them needing more calories...especially where you are!

 

[SkyWarrior]

The grass hay I have is a very high quality second cutting and considered hot. Good to know that this will be good. I gave them more grain because of the extra calories. Animals need extra calories to stay warm, too.

Sounds okay?

Haha...I have two very chubby wethers. I am hoping with the cold weather, they'd lose a few pounds. I will still give them some grains because they are still growing kids but I will judge their condition before adding grains. You are right also about them needing more calories...especially where you are!

Yeah, I was considering their conditioning. The Saanens are a little light, as is the one remaining wether. The rest are a little heavy, but I'd rather have them a little bit more warm. Our weather is a bit strange for this time of year.

 

[breezy B ranch]

Lol I'm a worrier too! Made the husband go out tonight and put in heat lamps. The lowest our temps will get is 32-34 lol but I feel like I'm cold so they must be! Plus the poor guy had to make sure they were secure and safe otherwise I would worry they would burn themselves.

 

[Catahoula]

Lol I'm a worrier too! Made the husband go out tonight and put in heat lamps. The lowest our temps will get is 32-34 lol but I feel like I'm cold so they must be! Plus the poor guy had to make sure they were secure and safe otherwise I would worry they would burn themselves.

That would be a heat wave for us if we get 32-34.... Right now it is 18 degree this morning and REALLY windy. Yesterday I started the day in 15 degree. I checked on the kids 3 or 4 times and spent 30-60 mins outside. BURRRR...., My fingers and toes hurt. The Boers seemed ok but the Alpines are thinner and were shivering. I didn't take them outside for their usual walk. They mostly hang out in the barn and ate and rested. The coldest month has yet to come! This is my first winter with goats and are their first winter also. May need to get couple large dog sweater for the Alpines?