Nutrition and condition discussion

[TheMixedBag]

Even when she was dry, she didn't gain, and the only thing that's changed in feeding is I added alfalfa this winter, and the calf manna. I was even keeping her on 20% range cubes (which she *really* liked, despite their size), so I do have doubts as to her gaining any kind of real condition. Even Talala is a hard keeper and she's keeping the weight on without problems.

 

[helmstead]

I do have doubts as to her gaining any kind of real condition.

Well, as long as you're convinced it's the goat's issue and not a problem with the feeding program...so do I. :/

 

[TheMixedBag]

Well, I don't know how many times I've asked (and how many places) as to what I could change feed-wise, and I almost never get an answer, and the few I've gotten, I've followed, and she still can't even begin to maintain. I really don't know what else to think, I'm pretty sure goat reverse liposuctions don't exist, so I don't see a whole lot of other options.

 

[freemotion]

Starting on page 4 of this thread there are many, many suggestions for feeding your doe. Have you implemented them all? Not yet. Don't give up so quickly. There is a lot you can do. Re-read it. There was some time that you resisted the idea that she was even thin. So go back to page 4 and re-read, there may be some suggestions that you forgot about. It is easy to do when you are overwhelmed. Ask me how I know.

ETA: If reverse liposuction were available, I'd look very different!

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

Well, I don't know how many times I've asked (and how many places) as to what I could change feed-wise, and I almost never get an answer, and the few I've gotten, I've followed, and she still can't even begin to maintain. I really don't know what else to think

It's only been 5 weeks since I started this thread. With her condition being what it is and the fact that she's a high-production doe in early lactation this was NEVER a problem that was completely solvable in 5 weeks! The best that you can hope for is slow, *consistent* improvement with *consistent* nutrition.

 

[TheMixedBag]

Well, I don't know how many times I've asked (and how many places) as to what I could change feed-wise, and I almost never get an answer, and the few I've gotten, I've followed, and she still can't even begin to maintain. I really don't know what else to think

It's only been 5 weeks since I started this thread. With her condition being what it is and the fact that she's a high-production doe in early lactation this was NEVER a problem that was completely solvable in 5 weeks! The best that you can hope for is slow, *consistent* improvement with *consistent* nutrition.

I never said improvement. I said she never even began to maintain, something that she should have been able to do at the very least, considering she wasn't being milked much or producing all that much.

 

[helmstead]

Getting back to the original topic

I finally got my 4 year old son to help me get a photo of one of my milking does this morning.

She is the thinnest doe of the 5 I'm milking right now. She weighs right at 60 lbs, and this is before her morning hay - so she's even showing a little more down than usual. She is still in IDEAL condition. She is 4 weeks fresh milking 3 lbs a day. She gets, oh, about 1/4 scoop (of an average horse feed scoop) on the stanchion of goat feed along with my 'lactation mix' in her pen - they're getting 2 full scoops between 3 nubians and 5 Nigerians twice a day. And are fed alfalfa/clover/orchard hay.

**next time I'm in the barn I will weigh out a 'scoop' and let y'all know how many lbs**

 

[St0rmyM00n]

what about a goat specific protein tub? She might enjoy something like that.

Im not sure what you mean, do you mean a special feeder only for her filled with protein?

I can do that if thats what you mean

No they actually make protein tubs you buy in the store to put out with livestock, the newest thing is goat protein tubs, they come in a black tub like container, you buy them at the feed store, Our Farm choice carries them.
Like this:
http://www.feedinadrum.com/GOAT20N.html
http://www.hubbardfeeds.com/specialty/ProdInfo/Easylix16GoatBlock.aspx?menu=Goats

This is a block:
http://www.hubbardfeeds.com/specialty/ProdInfo/Easylix16GoatBlock.aspx?menu=Goats


I will be adding something like this to this summers feeding program when my does are only on pasture.

I am still researching the brand that I will choose.

Can't be a cattle tub, because of Urea used in them. Urea is toxic to goats.

I realize what your saying now, your talking about goat minerals.
We only have 2 goats if I had a whole herd I would get the tub too, I get the loose mineral for goats in a 25 lb bag and it is out where they can get it when ever they please, we refresh it daily I only put a small amount in a bowl that hangs on the side of their fence or inside their housing area.

 

[PattySh]

I didn't know urea was poisonous for goats, never had it an ingredient in anything fed to my goats. Thanks for that info as I wondered why they didn't recommend a uterine bolus for goats after difficult birth. Uterine boluses main ingredient is urea. Makes sense now.

 

[TheMixedBag]

If anyone cares, I'm posting updates on Jenny here:
http://bodowaygoats.blogspot.com/

I'm not posting here anymore. Just not worth it.