Fat dry does - Alfalfa or grass hay?

freedomfrom4 · #1 03/02/11, 11:19 PM

So I think my goats have gotten portly. I have been feeding dumors goat pellets. I like it cause it can be used as a complete feed so I feel like I won't kill them if they accidently eat to much. They get that and 1 or 2 flakes of alfalfa twice a day. Now they are extra flully and I think fat. Gasp. I made my goats fat.

So they need to get in shape. They have room to run, but they are lazy. I haven't been taking them for walks cause the nieghbors dogs are bad. So I was going to cut out thier feed and feed just hay. Should I feed the alfalfa or regular grass hay? Both are similarly priced.
Oh and they aren't bred, both about 5, and are sitting dry as yard ornaments this year. They will be bred next fall hopefully if they aren't to fat to take.

LomahAcres · #2 03/03/11, 07:30 AM

You may be able to keep them on grass hay just fine, however, I do find better health in alfalfa fed goats whether working stock or yard ornaments. Try cutting the grain cold turkey for 3-4 weeks and see how much lbs they drop. If they still need to take off more, switch to grass hay or maybe try a mix? But watch them in the fall again and next winter, may need to go back the alfalfa or grain then.

sammyd · #3 03/03/11, 08:35 AM

no grain and grass hay.

southerngurl · #4 03/03/11, 09:21 AM

I agree, just grass hay/pasture and good minerals, and some can get fat on that being dry.

CaliannG · #5 03/03/11, 10:26 AM

I always tell people: M goats are not "fat"; they are "well conditioned".

That being said, cut out the grain. Goats without extra stress on their system (pregnant, nursing, breeding), whether male or female, do not need grain.

Stay with alfalfa, to build up their calcium reserves, unless they stay fat. If they are not loosing the pounds on just browse and alfalfa hay, go to a mix. If they stay fat on that, go to grass.

If they are still fat on grass, blame yourself and step AWAY from the ANIMAL CRACKERS.

Wags · #6 03/03/11, 10:32 AM

No grain, and give a little alfalfa only at night. Goats will not go out to pasture if they are getting breakfast in bed.

BethW · #7 03/03/11, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliannG

If they are still fat on grass, blame yourself and step AWAY from the ANIMAL CRACKERS.

LOL! For four years, my ND wethers have had nothing but grass hay and one weekly apple split between them and two of the three are (as Freedom says) very portly

I give up.