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298 Posts
Vicki's article: http://dairygoatinfo.com/index.php?topic=192.0
Sue Reith's article: http://dairygoatinfo.com/index.php?topic=75.0
I have re-read the above mentioned articles and I have some questions. I feel like I am over-feeding my girls on the stand therefore causing a higher than neccessary feed bill. I am searching for answers on how much to feed to maintain condition while lactating and keep production high without over-spending.
Vicki, in your very informative article, you mention feeding Calf Manna and BOSS to your lactating does. How much of each? Do you feed the Calf Manna through her entire lactation? Calf Manna is for calories (extra protein) right? To keep her in good condition? Do you feed your alfalfa pellets free choice or measured amounts? I know BOSS is to add oil for good skin and coat. Do you feed beet pulp? Do they really NEED beet pulp? I know you have changed things in your feeding methods lately (rice bran, safflower, oil). What I am interested in are the products available to me locally...Calf Manna, BOSS, beet pulp, whole oats, whole barley.
About Sue Reith's article; I thought feeding the higher amounts of grain was to maintian the doe's condition not neccessarily to increase her milk production. Her article focused on the arguement of increasing grain for higher production. How do you all feel about her idea of feeding just one to two cups of grain in the stand? I understand the 2:1 and up to 5:1 Cal/Phos ratio. I have been implementing that for some time with alfalfa pellets.
I know, once again, I am beating the dead horse. This topic has been discussed many times. But I didn't save many notes and the posts are all gonzo now with the new forum. I have learned to paste information that I need to read again into a file on my hard drive!
Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.
Sue Reith's article: http://dairygoatinfo.com/index.php?topic=75.0
I have re-read the above mentioned articles and I have some questions. I feel like I am over-feeding my girls on the stand therefore causing a higher than neccessary feed bill. I am searching for answers on how much to feed to maintain condition while lactating and keep production high without over-spending.
Vicki, in your very informative article, you mention feeding Calf Manna and BOSS to your lactating does. How much of each? Do you feed the Calf Manna through her entire lactation? Calf Manna is for calories (extra protein) right? To keep her in good condition? Do you feed your alfalfa pellets free choice or measured amounts? I know BOSS is to add oil for good skin and coat. Do you feed beet pulp? Do they really NEED beet pulp? I know you have changed things in your feeding methods lately (rice bran, safflower, oil). What I am interested in are the products available to me locally...Calf Manna, BOSS, beet pulp, whole oats, whole barley.
About Sue Reith's article; I thought feeding the higher amounts of grain was to maintian the doe's condition not neccessarily to increase her milk production. Her article focused on the arguement of increasing grain for higher production. How do you all feel about her idea of feeding just one to two cups of grain in the stand? I understand the 2:1 and up to 5:1 Cal/Phos ratio. I have been implementing that for some time with alfalfa pellets.
I know, once again, I am beating the dead horse. This topic has been discussed many times. But I didn't save many notes and the posts are all gonzo now with the new forum. I have learned to paste information that I need to read again into a file on my hard drive!
Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.