help with then pregnant doe

[MamaDee]

Hi!

We have a just bred Nubian doe. She is healthy, but thin. Her herd mate, a Nubian Alpine cross, is a bit younger but bigger and beefier.

What can I do to help her gain some weight to be ready for kidding? She gets grain once a day in the evening (probably abouat 2 1/2 cups) and all the hay she wants. She also has free choice baking soda and minerals and water of course.

I don't think the last hay we got is the best. Should we supplement with alfalfa pellets? Add oats?

I should say, also, that since the weather has warmed up and plants are green, the goats get fresh weed, bush and tree cuttings twice a day, too.

Dee

[BlueHeronFarm]

I would add both alfalfa pellets and beet pulp. ...but if she was just bred, you don't need the extra nutrition/calories yet. I would wait until she starts showing - around 3 months - to start gradually increasing her feed.

Also - if you plan to milk her, you might want to get to two feedings a day to establish the routine for later.

[Feral Nature]

I agree with BlueHeron...Alfalfa pellets and beet pulp and twice a day grain...establish a nice routine.