When to change diet for pregnant does?

[PulpFaction]

So, Saturday I bought two dry Nigerian Dwarf does, a yearling and a three-year old. I have them on Timothy right now because it's what I get for my rabbits, but I am looking for good brome to reduce waste.

I was told that the brome and a handful of grain here and there (mostly just to get them used to me and keep them friendly,) is all they need as dry does. I live on a small city lot and there isn't much in the way of things to eat here, so this (and the occasional snack of stolen rabbit pellets,) is it for the time being.

Is this sufficient? What about vitamins and minerals? Can I add some oil or BOSS to their grain to give them a shinier coat? Also, I'm planning to breed the older doe ASAP for fall babies, at what point in the pregnancy do I start adding more nutrition to the diet, and what is the best way to do that?

I keep oats and Calf Manna on hand for my rabbits, it would be nice to not have to store extra feed or grains, though I expect I will have to get alfalfa in some form sooner or later. (Is there a preference between pellets, cubes and hay?)

Thanks!

[Pony]

There are as many feeding regimens as there are goat owners.

A quick search of the forum located this little tidbit:

Question about feeding bred Does

What I feed my goats:

Alfalfa pellets (free choice)
BOSS
shredded beet pulp
COB
Good quality alfalfa hay (free choice)
Cattle mineral (free choice)
Baking soda (free choice) <--- to prevent acidosis
Copper bolus every six months

[FunnyRiverFarm]

Definitely get some loose minerals for them.

Living in AK, it would probably be best to feed alfalfa pellets because there is no waste...I know alfalfa is extremely pricey up there. I usually begin to transition my does to a "working" diet (strait alfalfa hay and some grain) when they are 4-6 weeks from their due date.