Feeding a Pregnant Heifer

[barngirl]

Hi,
We have a 2 1/2 jersey heifer that's going to freshen at the end of January (she's 6 months right now). Since I raise dairy goats and not cows, what does she need nutritionally while she's pregnant? I know a little bit about milk fever (one of my goats got it) so what can I feed her to avoid that?!

Thanks,
Jenna

[francismilker]

I've had cows get milk fever despite what I tried to do for their diet. I think some are just more prone to it. However, what little I know says to avoid an alfalfa rich diet. I usually keep my close up cows with free choice hay and about 3-5lbs. 14% creep feed per day. I don't really start pouring the feed to them if I want production to increase until about 2-3 days post calving. I also keep free choice minerals in front of them at all times.

Ozarkjewels, you need to chime in here. You're the jersey keeper! lol!

[barngirl]

Does anyone else have suggestions on how to feed my pregnant heifer? Right now she gets some 1st cutting grass mixed with 2nd cutting alfalfa. I'm giving her some steer feed right now but want to switch to some other kind geared towards a dairy cow Ideas?

Thanks!

[Farm 36]

Heifers have a low occurance of milk fever. You can talk to the vet or best to your feed mill and see if he has a nutritionist to help. With so little info it would be hard to give good advice. You shoud be using the local feed mill to give them community support even if their feed is a few cents higher. The farm stores are not able to help you they just sell feed not service

[barngirl]

You shoud be using the local feed mill to give them community support even if their feed is a few cents higher.

Yup, I get all my feed at the mill They have been helpful, but I need more advise than they are giving. Thanks for your help~