Sweet Feed while on the milking stand?

[Long Last Farm]

Hi! I am a newbie to milking my goats. Currently, I have 2 in Milk- a Alpine who kidded in Spring 2012, but is still producing some milk because her doeling is still nursing a little. I milk her once a day in the am.

My other milker is a Saanen who kidded in April. Her buckling is still nursing. I separate them at night, and also milk her first thing in the am, then let him have his momma during the day.

Everything is going well--I am pretty happy with the amt. of milk I get--certainly enough for my family, and I also freeze some for later use.
Would it be good to give the goats some sweet feed while they are on the milking stand? Or calf manna? I think they overall have a good diet=-- Free choice hay, 3 plus acres of grassy weedy land available daily, and a couple cups of Tractor Supply goat pellets while I milk them. Also mineral supplements and lots of clean water.

I 'm just wondering if a separate bag of sweet feed or calf manna pellets ( 1-2 cups ) just for the mammas while they are on the milking stand would help them stay in good condition. I know producing milk takes alot out of them!
Thanks for the replies.....

 

[Pearce Pastures]

I am not a huge fan of sweet feed because it is kind of goat junk food and is very high in sulfur due to the molasses sweetener (which can cause several medical issues including polio). We offer them regular feed or alfalfa pellets in a coffee can and they do well. We also started putting in three golf balls to slow them down so they aren't scarfing it and finishing before we are done.

 

[Moonshine]

Good info Pearce Pastures! Thanks!

 

[Long Last Farm]

thank you, Pearce Pastures! I will be trying that golf ball trick to slow them down!

 

[bj taylor]

golf ball. what a smart trick.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Thanks! Actually, I think another member, Ksalvagno, told me that one. Works great.