alfalfa pellets question

[Minelson]

I got a bag of alfalfa pellets because I'm on my last bale and don't want to buy again until later this summer. I have a pygmy with her 5 month old twins whose father is ND. I'm wondering how much of the pellets should I feed? Do I feed it like grain? twice a day? They also get free choice grass hay, boss as treats, 14% horse feed (very little, about 1/2 a cup each a day)
Thanks!

[naturewoman]

If that is their main food source, I'd feed it free choice...but don't they have graze and browse now? My goats are on fresh grass and browse now.

[Minelson]

Yes they are browsing and grazing...but they are so used to me giving them a small flake of alfalfa before they go to bed at night.

[naturewoman]

If you stop the hay at night (except on a rainy day when they can't browse, they will forage more during the day. I still give my goats hay on rainy days, and a treat of alfalfa pellets every night, but not enough to sustain them.

[Zone]

If not feeding them the pellets free choice I would personally feed them 2-5 times as much A. Pellets as grain. This gives the phosphorus to calcium ratio that they need.

Hope this helps.

For my standard-sized girls. I give about 2 cups alfalfa pellets to one cup 16% sheep/goat grain, 1/2 cup boss and top dress with calf manna.
Then I put extra A. Pellets, top dress with BOSS in the community container about three times a day. Not alot, just enough for them to clean up in five minutes. It used to be once a day, then I upped it to twice a day. Just today I started at three times a day and will stay at this for awhile.

One thing to keep in mind. With any kind of change, goats don't do well. Do your changes gradually.