Pregnant doe becoming very chubby

[meme]

We had Rachel re-bred on October 31st, and I am pretty sure she is prego this time. However, she has been really putting on the weight these last few months. We are feeding the same 2 leafs of alfalfa/ grass hay mix for 3 goats per day. We started Heidi on grain after worming her, because she was too thin, other then that nothing has changed. Rachel is getting some thick padding over her ribs, and I am worried about her! Short of feeding them all less, what should I do? I don't want Heidi or Shasta to lose weight, and I don't know how I would keep them apart. I know it is dangerous for a pregnant goat to be overweight, so what would you guys recommend? Also, how do you guys feed your pregnant does?

 

[Straw Hat Kikos]

What kind of goats are these? How much do and did they weigh? And is she gaining weigh because she is pregnant? I pregnant doe especially later in pregnancy will look huge.

Here's how I feed my goats. Right now all my pregnant does get unlimited hay and the Nigerians get one cup of feed and the Kikos get three cups of feed.

http://www.backyardherds.com/web/viewblog.php?id=6788-feeding-goats

 

[meme]

Rachel and Shasta are Nubians, and Heidi is an Alpine. Rachel was 105 pounds at fair, before she was bred, in late September. She has definitely gained some since fair though. I really doubt it is her babies showing, she is only 24 days along. Thanks for the help!

 

[Straw Hat Kikos]

Well I really have no idea about the larger dairy breeds (and they are quite different than the meat goats) so I'm not 100% sure but I really wouldn't be worried.

 

[kstaven]

Rachel and Shasta are Nubians, and Heidi is an Alpine. Rachel was 105 pounds at fair, before she was bred, in late September. She has definitely gained some since fair though. I really doubt it is her babies showing, she is only 24 days along. Thanks for the help!

At 105 pounds I doubt she was at full mature size yet. So a good part of the weight gain is likely natural. Also ... goats going into winter will naturally try to put on some extra poundage.

 

[meme]

Okay, our 4-H leader had me worried. Plus at Goat Education Day, the vet was talking about a bunch of potential pregnancy complications that can occur from excess weight. She is only a year and a half though, so she has more growing to do.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

She is right. Being overweight is usually worse than a tad underweight during pregnancy. While she might be still growing, if she is getting too thick, she is taking in too many calories that are not being used. After having one delivery go bad due to an overweight mother and oversized kid, I no longer increase my grain during pregnancy, unless the doe seems to be losing condition. I personally recommend all the hay she can eat, a mineral supplement, and fresh water. If you do offer a feed, a cup a day as plenty.

 

[meme]

Rachel doesn't get any grain yet. Just alfalfa and grass hay 2x a day. Maybe we should take her on walks?

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Walks might help Do you have any pictures you could post? She might just have a nice rumen developed.

 

[meme]

I will try to get some pics today. Hopefully I can find some time!