Any thoughts?
How Much Should I Feed?
I was wondering how much grain I should feed my 2 pregnant Nigerian Dwarves. They have never been bred before, so they are not producing milk currently. I have been feeding them 2 cups a day and the still seem a little hungery. They always have fresh water and hay. I am still very new to the goat world and want the best for Annie and Della (my goats).
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Why I am not sure how much would be appropriate, but in general many consider a dwarf about a third of a regular goat. So a dwarf should probably get 1/3 of a regular goat ration. However, with them being pregnant, they ought to be getting something better that 16% crude protein. Without molasses is desirable, but it makes it harder to add things to their diet as the molasses is sticky and the goats like it a lot.Any thoughts?
All in all, have lots of hay for them. It is better for them, especially alfalfa. Only my milkers and pregnant does get alfalfa. But if you weigh your does, you should know if they are gaining weight, at about the normal rate. Too little more food. Basically they love grain but hay is better for them.
Thank you so much!
FYI, I feed my full size lactating does 1 pound of 16% twice a day, with all the hay or forage they desire. They get all the alfalfa they want while they are with "kid" or I am milking them. It is difficult to keep up with their nutritional needs at this time.
Great book is "The complete Herbal Handbook for farm and stable.. ? careful feeding grain while pregnant you don't' want to get big babies.. So basic small amount for nutrient, if they are getting good feed, have minerals out. they shouldn't need much.. after birthing, grain helps milk.Why I am not sure how much would be appropriate, but in general many consider a dwarf about a third of a regular goat. So a dwarf should probably get 1/3 of a regular goat ration. However, with them being pregnant, they ought to be getting something better that 16% crude protein. Without molasses is desirable, but it makes it harder to add things to their diet as the molasses is sticky and the goats like it a lot.
All in all, have lots of hay for them. It is better for them, especially alfalfa. Only my milkers and pregnant does get alfalfa. But if you weigh your does, you should know if they are gaining weight, at about the normal rate. Too little more food. Basically they love grain but hay is better for them.
cherie
So should I decrease the about of grain I'm feeding them? They are due in July and August, and arn't too big yet. We got them very early in pregnancy and hope that all the stress didn't create an abortion or something that would cause them to not be pregnant. HELP!!!
Roughly guessing 2 cups would be around 1/2 pound of feed. Maybe a tad too much if you are using 16% crude protein.How much are you feeding?
Making sure they have hay is truly important, since it is better for them than grain. I give my milkers and pregnant does alfalfa (higher protein content). With goats they find it difficult to push away from a feed trough. If there is food they will be a eating it!
The way to feel better about how much you feed them is are they getting picky about what they eat? If they are they are doing fine.
And don't forget goats lie about food.
They are eating it like they are starving and gobble it down each time.
if your talking about the grain, that is totally understandable, animals and grain. I use to wonder if they would stop.. I have two does in milk and have fed them enough that they have left a little.. shockingly but those were the day I had added in small lunch snack to check on teet of doe I am weaning her bucklings off. .side note was exciting to see she gifted a quart of milk for 5 hour window
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