How much grain to feed during milking time?

[Evergreen160]

Hi all!

My new goats 2 yr 1st freshening doe and 6 mo wether Nubians are finally here! I'm just getting the milking routine worked out with my doe. I"m wondering how much feed she should be getting per milking. She is milked 2x a day. Her feed bag says to give 1-3 lbs/Hd/Day. What does Hd stand for? Thanks!

 

[autumnprairie]

I give mine as much as they want

 

[ksalvagno]

Everything really depends on body condition and what else you feed her. I have an Alpine/Nubian mix. She is a good milker and loses weight fast and is hard to maintain. I'm not sure on weight but she gets 6 cups of feed per milking which means she gets 12 cups of feed per day. I also give them alfalfa/grass mix hay. How much did the former owner feed her? You can start with that.

 

[that's*satyrical]

Mine eat a large fast food size plastic cup (28oz) full of grain mixed with alfalfa pellets (60/40 mix) top dressed with a handful of BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds) at each milking & it generally lasts about as long as it takes me to milk them out. (Nigerian Dwarf)

I think hd means per head/per goat....

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Mine get all they can eat while on the stand. Some as much as a full coffee can ~ but I have large Nubians.

 

[Chris]

Mine get all they will eat wile I am milking, I make sure that they eat at least one pound of feed.

Chris

 

[Evergreen160]

Thanks that is helpful!

My doe is a bit on the thin side. She also gets alfalfa hay.