12/06/10, 11:57 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,012
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We feed corn to increase the energy content of their diet at our nutritionists recommendation. Since then our kids growth has increased to a normal range. Our hay from various fields tested extremely low, we sought professional help, and low and behold corn isn't the killer it's made out to be when used in a balanced diet.
I don't think anyone is saying that corn by itself is a good sole(single) feed, least I'm not. What I am saying is that the corn that was fed is not enough to kill those goats as others indicated.
Noone from halfway across the country can recommend the best feeding regime for your herd, particularly for the long-term. Only a nutritionist can do that, based on a complete study of what they currently are being fed. The best recommendations to start can come from someone in your area, then you can tweak it for your particular circumstances. The purpose of your herd makes a big difference, too. It just isn't profitable to feed boss or alfalpha pellet to meat goats that can bring in as little as $70 a head, though at times that can be as high as $120, depends on your market & time of year. Makes perfect sense though if they provide milk for the table.
I didn't think the OP was asking for a feeding schedule but rather an answer as to the habits and liklihood of how his herd would respond to a change in the feeding schedule. I must admit I too thought he might have given LARGE cans of corn. Worried me a bit too, then looked at his name & # of posts & decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Glad I did.
At any rate there are some good educational responses so if they OP was not feeding roughage & minerals etc. he can certainly re-look at his rations & correct what he feels is out of balance.
HF
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