Every year consists of a learning curve. This is the year of nutrition focus and health. I have been studying appropriate nutrition for our goats as they face having their babies in the spring. We have two first year 'fresheners' who are having their first babies. Making certain the kids grow in the womb without complications later, is a careful process.
Grain amounts and contents help or hinder development of pregnant does. Two new elements have been added to their grain mix. Their current grain consists of a 16% calf feed which works fairly well. Our new policy is feeding them smaller amounts twice daily. Once a day I add Diamond VS yeast and kelp less than an ounce per goat. Mixed properly they will eat it with the grain. I feed it to them when they are particularly hungry in the morning and night. Too much grain too early in the pregnancy can cause toxic effects as well as babies that are too big to be born easily.
Hay is important and vital. I spent time in the fall searching for a farmer with the right grass mix with alfalfa. Praise God Michael Uremovich has the number of bales we need for 2019. The alfalfa percentage works for us and still has its green chlorophyll which means it is stored well.
Meanwhile the girls are waiting for spring. Hopefully we will receive a number of fairly warm days to walk to the pasture. Both Starry Night and Emma still appear quite frisky after their time with boys. Everyone will be ready to explore more space.
Grain amounts and contents help or hinder development of pregnant does. Two new elements have been added to their grain mix. Their current grain consists of a 16% calf feed which works fairly well. Our new policy is feeding them smaller amounts twice daily. Once a day I add Diamond VS yeast and kelp less than an ounce per goat. Mixed properly they will eat it with the grain. I feed it to them when they are particularly hungry in the morning and night. Too much grain too early in the pregnancy can cause toxic effects as well as babies that are too big to be born easily.
Hay is important and vital. I spent time in the fall searching for a farmer with the right grass mix with alfalfa. Praise God Michael Uremovich has the number of bales we need for 2019. The alfalfa percentage works for us and still has its green chlorophyll which means it is stored well.
Meanwhile the girls are waiting for spring. Hopefully we will receive a number of fairly warm days to walk to the pasture. Both Starry Night and Emma still appear quite frisky after their time with boys. Everyone will be ready to explore more space.
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