will alfalfa give goats diarrhea

There are several different categories of hay you can feed to your goats. You can also use kitchen garbage bags if you have a chest freezer in your house, just take out flakes of the chaffhaye of what you use a day and store in those in your home freezer. Lastly do you think we should put a heating lamp inside their sleeping shed during the night for the winter? I received so many questions on that first video that I decided to do a second one to respond . Worms could be a possibility also, if you are not rotating pastures. If she had a doe that had never had grain in its life, it did well, but if she tried to take an adult doe off grain, she either lost too much weight or her supply plummeted. Since dried plant matter of some kind should make up as much as three-quarters of your goats diet, you may be wondering if alfalfa alone is suitable for this purpose. Ill have to check availability on Standlee; the other brand was not available locally and became too costly to have shipped by freight. Alfalfa pellets are commonly available at livestock feed stores, as are timothy pellets and other grass pellets. We have already purchased both. https://thriftyhomesteader.com/do-goats-need-grain-during-pregnancy/. Its pretty unusual for a doe that age to be overweight, as they are usually able to utilize all of their calories by growing. Because most of us with goats are consuming the milk and/or meat, were concerned about what they eat. Help! Again, though, these are two things that you should feed in moderation to ensure that your goats are getting everything their bodies need. Thanks for the tip! So much info in the caring for senior goats article. Ive read some places that theres no nutrition in dry grass. My two does are in milk, plus I have a doeling and a wether, coming up on 8 months old. Thanks again for great info! I cannot find alfalfa hay around here, and the pellets are simple plus the goats love them. What should you know before feeding your goats this hay? Instead, it would help if you introduced alfalfa hay slowly and in small increments so that the bacteria in the goats rumens have time to adjust. Thrifty Homesteader is about creating a more sustainable life, but what exactly does that mean? Your email address will not be published. They dont have to chew or ruminate much with pellets. It is an ideal fibrous, low-calorie meal which provides a number of essential nutrients for goats. My babies get introduce to alfalfa pellets at about 2 weeks old (a snack during night time separation from mom), they work up from a handful of pellets with no grain to about 1 1/2 cups pellets with 2 cups grain and stay with that till freshening. I have been interested in trying alfalfa pellets but havent gotten around to it yet. If your local store doesnt keep them in stock, ask if theyll order them for you. Will look for it in the store. They do not need a goat feed or grain because thats high in calories and protein, which they do not need, so they are likely to get obese if you feed them that. Its a great way to get pasture to them when you dont have any pasture. But it was ok to feed to does. It should be possible! Although alfalfa is safe (and even recommended) to feed goats, you need to exercise caution. Diarrhea In Goats: Causes, Treatment & Related Questions Baking soda is always available free of choice for my goats. Not all goats love grass hay most are going to prefer grain or alfalfa. Goats like to explore the world using their mouths. I know hay carries phosphorus but without it being tested I dont know the ratio value of C/ P. Wethers do not need grain and they definitely dont need beet pulp unless you are just trying to fatten him up for butchering. Depends on how you define occasional treat. Many report that their goats diet is mainly alfalfa hay, and that they are healthy if a little on the heavy side. During the warmer months the goats free range and Im happy to say they eat down a lot of pesky weeds. But on occasion I give a handful as a treat in the afternoon or when I just want to spend a little time in the pasture with them. Besides our horses we use them with our pigs and chickens. If you are planning to breed them and they should be about 2/3 of their adult weight when you breed them you can probably continue to feed them some alfalfa hay or pellets now through the time that they are pregnant and are milking. Dr. Pol Healthy Goat Alfalfa Recipe Goat Feed - Chewy.com Alfalfa has a 15:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio, which makes it a perfect complement to grain, which is high in phosphorus. I think he had worms this late winter but I was slow in figuring it out. What Is A Wether Goat? Great idea to offer it to pigs when pasture isnt available well have to try it with ours this winter! They seem to be a healthy weight and playful, but I was wondering if a solely alfalfa pellet diet is bad for them? I Want My Free Ebook On Egg Laying Chickens. If someone can tell me what Im doing right, and wrong in regards to their feeding that would be really appreciated. - The Happy Chicken Coop - All Rights Reserved. What Can I Give My Goat For Diarrhea? - TheAcademy.quest Also, when should we start feeding the pellets to our pregnant does? I was new to goats and did not have any clue what to look for in a nutritional analysis. Using some grass hay pellets as a supplement would be fine, but they need grass hay or pasture daily so that they have to chew a lot, which keeps their rumen healthy. Tractor Supply carries them. I have ND goats on grass hay 24/7. It is also really important that if someone has a goat that is not thriving on an appropriate diet that they try to figure out why. Where do you purchase your organic alfalfa pellets? During the last trimester (50 days) of pregnancy, does should have at least 50% alfalfa hay, and can have up to 100% alfalfa hay. Diarrhea in goats - Life of farmers If a goat is underweight, there is probably a very good reason for it, and that reason needs to be discovered. They feed massive quantities of baking soda in cattle feedlots because they are pushing so much grain. Ive used another brand of organic alfalfa pellets (the only one I could find in 50-lb bags) for my rabbits when our feed delivery was late and think its an awesome idea to mix into goat and hog feeds! There is too much calcium, which can bind with zinc and cause a zinc deficiency. I heard a lot about alfalfa for milking does in your article, which is what my friend does for her does, and is what my doelings have been on for their whole lives. Thats great to hear! Alfalfa is not only suitable for consumption by goats, it is also good for other ruminants, such as goats, cattle, camels, etc. They are too small for breeding, so they are solely companion pets. But we do have alfalfa pellets and the cubes, in your opinion which would be better to feed a doe that refuses to keep weight on her? Do goats get stress diarrhea like other animals? I am planning on giving my does alfalfa pellets, veggies, BOSS and beet pulp or kelp if needed. There are always caveats when it comes to dietary questions, and alfalfa is no exception. We started using alfalfa pellets years ago when we had goats that could finish all their grain faster than we could milk them. Hay pellets are nothing more than pulverized hay, so nutritionally its the same as hay. I feed alfalfa pellets everyday. However, it can cause severe digestive issues like bloat, diarrhea, enterotoxemia, and death if provided to your animals free choice. That means that a goat can get way more calcium than it needs and wind up being deficient in zinc. A large part of their diet should come from their own foraging and browsing, and its important to keep that in mind when planning their diet. Your email address will not be published. . You can, however, feed them grass hay pellets, such as timothy or orchard grass pellets. They seem to waste a lot of hay. Click here tovisit our Amazon store, which includes a list of things goats need. Here is more on zinc deficiency Is alfalfa poisonous to goats? I want to know what to do with all the crumbs. Interesting read I will have to check them out. If that doesnt work, Id suggest contacting Standlee through their website to see if there is another local dealer near you. They are also getting minerals, free choice. You could, but the alfalfa cubes are more appropriate for cattle, and I think they may cost a little less also. Alfalfa is not bad for goats, in fact, it's good for them. Alfalfa pellets have as much protein as the grain and it has more calcium. We do not milk them, nor will be breeding them. Since we live in Hawaii its pretty much impossible to get hay (we can grow it, just cant ever dry it!) Second I have a couple questions, I havent really been able to find any good alfalfa hay suppliers around here so I have been feeding whatever kinds we get in at my work, orchard and to. Do I let it blow to get out whatever she needs out, or try to stop it? If you need to bribe them with a handful of pellets every now and then, thats fine. I was going to give her probios after work. Great tip for those in hot climates! They love grain, as you know, and have many ways to cadge it when we are sure all supplies are secure. This sounds like just what I need. But they dont need alfalfa in their daily diet. You want to give goats a good nutrient-dense diet so they stay healthy. of Dumor goat feed, and free choice wheat hay (the hay does have the grain heads in it). In fact, baking soda is an antacid, so you should hope that your goats do not ever need it. We would leave the split door bottom open or could just close it without locking it so they push it open to get out if they want. Thats why so many people buy it in a concentrated pellet form. Please help me out with this. Hay is necessary for a goat's rumen to function correctly. I currently feed free choice bermuda hay, alfalfa in the morning, and grain each morning and evening. While this isnt common in female goats (does) who are pregnant or lactating, it often occurs in dry does (those who are no longer producing milk or pregnant), bucks, and wethers. What should you be feeding goats in the first place? Goats fed medicated feed long term have been shown to wind up with vitamin E deficiency. Plus, alfalfa is expensive. I feed all my goats free choice grass hay, minerals, baking soda, and water. The kids dont really need grain after about six months, although if youre in a really cold part of the world, you could wait until it warms up before you stop giving it to them. Pet goats and wethers may not necessarily need the alfalfa, but adding some in their diet will give them nutritional benefits. Their coats are soft and shiny but there hooves are chipping up the sides. He loves it and I know hes getting a fibre, water and protein boost x. Congratulations, Rose, on having such an old goat! Thank you . They get alfalfa pellets and COB on the milk stand when in milk plus pasture. Provide free-choice high quality forage until kids . First, lets tackle this question. Do you have any advice for the situation? Feeding grain causes urinary calculi, but wethers dont need alfalfa. Along with Standlee alfalfa pellets, black sunflower seeds and Standlee compressed alfalfa and orchard grass baled hay free choice. Hay and alfalfa have to be stored carefully in order to keep them edible, and this can present problems for those not living on a large farm. Been searching for a safe treat for my wether and buck. You should not feed alfalfa in any form (hay or pellets or cubes) to dry does older than about six months old. https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-need-baking-soda/, Thank you so very much for responding back. Wondering how much my cost would go up. It can be problematic to feed too much alfalfa all at once or to switch to alfalfa hay abruptly. Alfalfa hay is a popular option because it has a higher content of minerals, vitamins, and even protein than most grass hays. Well break down everything you need to know about feeding alfalfa to your herd in this post. If Im out of hay can I give the pellets to all of them instead and what amount? Although, he is very happy go lucky, no loss of appetite, no other signs of sickness or weakness. Check out my post. We did have goats about 15 years ago for a short period of time and one of the ended up with UC and we had to have him put to sleep so I do not want to go through that again! Too much, or a sudden addition, of alfalfa hay can have similar results. I feed Alfalfa pellets to my Steer to help fill him faster. Just as in adult goats, if you switch kids from goat's milk to formula or cow's milk, it can upset the stomach and cause scours. They may initially be suspicious of the pellets, but if you mix a little in with their grain, they tend to get over that pretty quickly. Im feeding very similarly and Im considering trying to move away from the grain (currently I feed Kalmbach milk maker on the milk stand) I have Nigerian Dwarf goats. Copyright 2023 The Thrifty Homesteader |, feed alfalfa pellets to our American Guinea Hogs, https://thriftyhomesteader.com/what-do-goats-eat-it-depends/, https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-need-baking-soda/, https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-in-winter/, https://thriftyhomesteader.com/zinc-deficiency-goats/, https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-minerals/, https://thriftyhomesteader.com/7-tips-for-keeping-bucks-healthy/, https://thriftyhomesteader.com/caring-for-senior-goats/, https://thriftyhomesteader.com/do-goats-need-grain-during-pregnancy/. I raise sheep, pigs, geese, and chickens. Being overweight is really one of the best case scenarios when over-feeding grain because too much grain can also cause enterotoxemia, thiamine deficiency, bloat, and other rumen problems that can cause death. 1. By the time they were there for two months, eating hay and browse (with pellets only a supplement), they were active and healthy again. When should I get worried its something more? Milking does can have all the alfalfa they want. Again, though, you need to feed this in moderation. Limit feeding grain since, for most goats, its not a dietary necessity. Fairly new to goats and am struggling with the idea that my bucklings shouldnt get grain or alfalfa at all. Pregnant does and milkers need lots of calcium, and you dont normally hear about them having any issues with zinc deficiency. He may become distended on the left side. I have only had goats four months and have two 5 month old Nubian doelings and one 6 month old Boer wether. Then, you can transfer the males over to grass hay. Vets point out that this type of hay should be given to pregnant, sick or debilitated animals. Should I be supplementing them with hay? Alfalfa should be portioned carefully when giving it to your goats, and should be fed alongside grass hay. He can nibble grass but cant chew hay. I top him up on ready grass and soaked alfalfa pellets. Bloat can happen with any overeating or rich feed. 2 teaspoon salt (we use fine sea salt) cup molasses or raw honey. Or how many lbs per doe a day?Right now I go through 4 bales a month(& there is some waste). Feed Dr. Pol's Healthy Goat Alfalfa Recipe to goats that have been vaccinated for enterotoxemia. Alfalfa is also extremely high in protein, which boosts milk production and strengthens bones. Jun 1, 2019 Stop with the meds and get a fecal. There are some regional variations to this. I have 3 acres and the grass is waste high but starting to turn brown. Do not use while pregnant or breastfeeding. She is currently on about 1lbs. Bucks get about 2 cups alfalfa pellets once a day. What To Do If Your Goat Has Diarrhea - Silver Lake Farms It would help if you started feeding alfalfa in the early to mid-winter or when your does are in early pregnancy (about six weeks before kidding). Coccidia go through a complex "life cycle" in the intestinal cells of goats. How do I give my goat electrolytes? One other important thing to note about alfalfa hay is that although it is incredibly high in nutrients, you can still have too much for a good thing. We also feed alfalfa pellets to our American Guinea Hogs when they dont have access to fresh pasture. Goats eat plants and digest them via a four-compartment stomach as ruminant animals. Of course, goats are going to upchuck it all in a little while and chew it again, so I suppose thats why they think they dont need to chew the first go round. I cant imagine that he is actually getting bloat. At a bare minimum, goats need 7% crude protein (pregnant goats need 12% crude protein rather than 11% as they are lactating). Theres a lot of conflicting information about feeding alfalfa to goats. Can you explain what you are seeing and what you are doing when you see whatever you are seeing? Orchard grass hay pellets are also acceptable. Tomato and chickens use the extra calcium to prevent blossum end rot and the chickens use for their egg shells. Got my country home at the age of 52 in November love the new life and will not go back to living in town. If they are more than about 6 to 9 months old, they really dont need that much calcium. I feel they look so much better when I mix it with their grain. Our blogs and articles are updated regularly with many different important topics on care, purchasing tips, fun facts, and more. Its also how I trained my super wild, never handled 3 yr olds. https://thriftyhomesteader.com/7-tips-for-keeping-bucks-healthy/. If you have meat goats, it may not a problem to go grain free. They wont need that a few months down the road when their growth slows down and it can become detrimental for them and cause problems. Over the Labor day weekend I got a baby potbelly pig. This product was recommended for our baby goats but they do not seem to like it. I dont think my doeling took, as my wether has been mounting her (shes not standing for him). However, its usually less likely to be caused by feeding alfalfa than it is caused by overfeeding alfalfa and not meeting other dietary needs of your goats. I have two wethers and one had an operation to reroute his urinary system due to stones! Can Goats Eat Alfalfa? (Answered!) - Goat Owner Yeslike about a half of cup for both of them just a couple times a week. Here is more on the baking soda connection and why goats may or may not need it: I went to the Lakin website, and the first ingredient is alfalfa, which is too rich for wethers and bucks. You can feel free to feed fast-growing kids alfalfa hay even the male ones. I just contacted Standlee to get the most up-to-date info for you, in case anything has changed since I worked with them last year on this. She isn't bloated and doesn't seem sick in any sort of way. https://thriftyhomesteader.com/what-do-goats-eat-it-depends/ Should I continue providing both and just make sure to watch for zinc deficiency? I have 12 does and theyre just pets. And sadly, Ive lost track of the number of people Ive helped over the years whose only goal was to feed their goats organic grain with no clue about nutrition, and they wound up in the same boat as I did. If does are not bred annually, they tend to have a problem with obesity if theyre being fed alfalfa because its just too rich. ), Can Goats Be Service Animals? I use the pellets to help my daughters ageing mare keep weight on. Alfalfa hay is really ideal. Grain can help goats put on a bit of weight and be of particular benefit when your goats are lactating or pregnant. I agree that smaller pellets would be better for goats, and I have forwarded your comment to Standlee. My doeling and wether only get grain when theyre getting their feet done or getting shots, etc. They puff up to 3x the size, and it takes the goats longer to eat them. Looking forward to offering this pellet to our American Guinea hogs. Male goats and dry does (not in milk and not pregnant) do not need that much calcium. Since not all my does liked the pellets and they were rather large I switched to Chaffhaye a few months ago. Of course, it can be challenging to know how much protein your hay has without having it tested in a laboratory. Thanks, I have pastures but feed alfalfa and grain when i bring them in from pasture at night. Alfalfa and clover are a great source of calcium and protein for lactating female cattle, sheep, and goats. We cant get organic feed where I live either, so I feed the non-organic alfalfa. Goats should have grass hay available all the time. Here is more info on caring for senior goats Ive done this for years. We get grass hay with very little alfalfa. I mentioned this in one of your live feeds, and Ill pick up the topic again. (And no, kelp does not have much zinc in it. But if you have more than a couple of goats, you wont have enough crumbs. If the wether is trying to mount her every day, then hes just confused or being dominant. Does should have alfalfa the last couple months of pregnancy because thats when the kids are growing really fast, so they need the calcium. (Helpful Content!). Alfalfa is believed to act as a buffer to this acidity, due to the high levels of proteins and minerals. Alfalfa hay is an excellent choice for most goats but when feeding male goats, you may want to ease back on the portions or consider not feeding it out. Its high in calcium and protein, and while thats a good thing, you dont want to overdo it. Since they are still growing a lot at this age, they can utilize the calcium, but once their growth slows down, they dont really need it unless they are growing babies or making milk. Thats where alfalfa pellets come in. I have tried switching them to other hay type pellets but they pick out the alfalfa pellets and wont eat the other ones. https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-minerals/ My goats love alfalfa pellets. The other lady with the 9 weeker said she is only feeding hers hay and loose minerals. It is commonly advised against feeding grains or processed goat feed because it can cause urinary stones. I read in one your comments that you tell your customers to buy one 50lb bag of grain and when it is gone to not buy anymore.
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