I was reading the Calf Manna bag the other day - and it reads that goats can get it as a maintenance amount also. I have started giving it to my goats in small quantities - top dressed on their grain.
Deborah Niemann-Boehle said:
Calf Manna is high protein. I feed it to does for the first month or two after kidding -- about 1/4 to 1/2 cup twice a day, depending upon how much their body condition needs to improve. I have heard people complain that some does are just much harder to keep in condition during lactation. In my herd, it seems there is a relationship between body condition and amount of milk produced -- those that produce more milk get thinner, which makes sense. The other thing that can affect body condition is internal parasites or lice.
The Calf Manna is a really good idea that I did not think of. That would also give her a boost with the protein. I am going to start doing that with my does. Ali-Oop is my oldest and she is such a wonderful doe. We had our battles in the beginning as I was new to milking. I had to learn to milk and she had to learn patience with me. We have both achieved success and have a very tight relationship now. She not only taught me about milking but also herd management. She is the herd queen and is firm but very fair. This little gal is a true treasure for me.
Deborah Niemann-Boehle said:
Calf Manna is high protein. I feed it to does for the first month or two after kidding -- about 1/4 to 1/2 cup twice a day, depending upon how much their body condition needs to improve. I have heard people complain that some does are just much harder to keep in condition during lactation. In my herd, it seems there is a relationship between body condition and amount of milk produced -- those that produce more milk get thinner, which makes sense. The other thing that can affect body condition is internal parasites or lice.
Calf Manna is high protein. I feed it to does for the first month or two after kidding -- about 1/4 to 1/2 cup twice a day, depending upon how much their body condition needs to improve. I have heard people complain that some does are just much harder to keep in condition during lactation. In my herd, it seems there is a relationship between body condition and amount of milk produced -- those that produce more milk get thinner, which makes sense. The other thing that can affect body condition is internal parasites or lice.
I had read that to but thought it was general because they deal with all goats. These are just little guys so I thought maybe it would be earlier for them. There are so many more people with way more experience than I and they all agree with fias Co. I know I am going to enjoy her for a very long time yet.
Fias CO Farm says around 10 years. I was actually just reading it last night. I think that it probably depends on the goats also. Like others said if they start having issues with deliveries, its probably a good idea to retire them.
Well I think my lady will be fine. She had an easier time with twins I will say. I will definately keep an eye on her and the changes that will happen to her. The calf manna thing is maybe something I should introduce to her after kidding to help her along. This last time that she kidded her top side was really sunkin in. She was definately producing the milk that is for sure. She is able to produce enough for the kids and the household. Thank you all for such sound advice.
Yes, I think that's one of the things that she meant when we were talking. Not only kidding trouble, but body condition, ease of mobility, etc.
Deborah Niemann-Boehle said:
I've never had a doe start having trouble with delivery as she gets older (knock on wood). I've decided to retire them when they start having trouble maintaining body condition during lactation. Rosasharn Eclipse won the AGS national championship at age 10, which was also the year I happened to get one of her bucks, and if no one had told me her age beforehand, I never would have guessed she was that old. She was stunning!
Calf Manna is high protein. I feed it to does for the first month or two after kidding -- about 1/4 to 1/2 cup twice a day, depending upon how much their body condition needs to improve. I have heard people complain that some does are just much harder to keep in condition during lactation. In my herd, it seems there is a relationship between body condition and amount of milk produced -- those that produce more milk get thinner, which makes sense. The other thing that can affect body condition is internal parasites or lice.
Do your (or other goats you know) younger does ever have a problem with body condition? Isabel is only 2 years 8 months and 10 days old ( I only know that because we have the same birthday) and I can't fatten her up for the life of me. Could it be because she is young, or do you think she may just naturally have that issue, or might it be another reason? I really would like to see how she does lactation wise next go round which should be early next year, and I hope she has a daughter because she has a nice udder, despite my issues with it early on. Her first son was average in terms of size and had good width throughout I think but the second is big, and not skinny, narrow, and dainty like she is, so I don't think she will pass that trait with the bucks I have been choosing for her. but I suppose there is always a chance. I have been thinking of selling her if she doesn't have much improvement over last year, but I do hope her daughters are improvements over her with regard to maintaining condition. Is there anything that can be done to help her gain some weight? I have tried grain, but it doesn't seem to have any affect what so ever.
Deborah Niemann-Boehle said:
I've never had a doe start having trouble with delivery as she gets older (knock on wood). I've decided to retire them when they start having trouble maintaining body condition during lactation. Rosasharn Eclipse won the AGS national championship at age 10, which was also the year I happened to get one of her bucks, and if no one had told me her age beforehand, I never would have guessed she was that old. She was stunning!
I've never had a doe start having trouble with delivery as she gets older (knock on wood). I've decided to retire them when they start having trouble maintaining body condition during lactation. Rosasharn Eclipse won the AGS national championship at age 10, which was also the year I happened to get one of her bucks, and if no one had told me her age beforehand, I never would have guessed she was that old. She was stunning!
Replies
I was reading the Calf Manna bag the other day - and it reads that goats can get it as a maintenance amount also. I have started giving it to my goats in small quantities - top dressed on their grain.
Deborah Niemann-Boehle said:
Margie McCoy at River Dance Farm said:
Deborah Niemann-Boehle said:
Janel Rickey said:
Deborah Niemann-Boehle said:
Deborah,
Do your (or other goats you know) younger does ever have a problem with body condition? Isabel is only 2 years 8 months and 10 days old ( I only know that because we have the same birthday) and I can't fatten her up for the life of me. Could it be because she is young, or do you think she may just naturally have that issue, or might it be another reason? I really would like to see how she does lactation wise next go round which should be early next year, and I hope she has a daughter because she has a nice udder, despite my issues with it early on. Her first son was average in terms of size and had good width throughout I think but the second is big, and not skinny, narrow, and dainty like she is, so I don't think she will pass that trait with the bucks I have been choosing for her. but I suppose there is always a chance. I have been thinking of selling her if she doesn't have much improvement over last year, but I do hope her daughters are improvements over her with regard to maintaining condition. Is there anything that can be done to help her gain some weight? I have tried grain, but it doesn't seem to have any affect what so ever.
Deborah Niemann-Boehle said:
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next