goat question about their droppings

[Chirpy]

Someone asked about baking soda, if that was answered I missed it. Baking soda and a good loose mineral should be offered 24/7 for all goats.

Only my does in milk and lactating does and does within the last 30 days of freshening get feed here. The rest of my goats only get a hand full once in a while as a treat. My wether almost never gets any.

I keep a good quality hay available pretty much 24/7 also.

I give Probios a couple days a month and to any goat that comes here new - they get it for about a week after arrival.

 

[adorable]

where do i get probios.? What form does it come in.?

 

[ksacres]

Quote:
I'm saying that any adult animal that's not lactating, pregnant, or a buck in full rut and servicing does, does not need grain. That is why I've asked repeatedly for more information on age/gender/size/etc.

Pygmy goats are prone to obesity, which isn't healthy for your goat. Dairy goats are generally a little harder to get fattened up.


You asked what would cause loose droppings. Judging by what you have said, upsets in the digestive system is the most likely cause.

As for the alfalfa, there are mixed feelings on that. I feed both grass and alfalfa to my bucks. They also get grain when they are in full rut, otherwise they lose condition.

 

[ksacres]

Quote:
You can get it in powder or gel form. Or, as someone else said you can use plain live culture yogurt. Both things provide the same function-restoring healthy gut flora.

http://www.jefferslivestock.com/ssc...FWATHKR90V25T35&keywords=probios&cmkw=probios

 

[adorable]

thank you. I checked into getting goat pellets. I cant get it here. but i can get 16% lamb pellets. It does have ammonia chloride in it. SHould i get that instead of giving them sweet feed because of to much corn and mollass in it. I will be giving grains either way. As goes for the probotics. I cant get that either. So i will try yogurt. Do i just put in with the grains or alone. How should i give it to them?oh ya. It isnt plain . It is vanilla yogurt. DOes it matter if it has flavour or not?

 

[ksacres]

It's not giving sweet feed vs. pellets vs. no grains that is the issue. It's that you are switching between feeds and/or feeding too much grain. Ruminants have very sensitive stomachs and a certain balance of microflora. Switching feeds or feeding too much grain with too little roughage throws off that balance.

Probios or live culture yogurt will help bring back beneficial bacteria.

Cutting out grains for a few days and adding extra roughage will solidy the poops.

GRADUALLY re-introducing grain will help the rumen stay in the correct balance.

Feeding too much grain ups the risk of enterotoximia, and the risk of ketoacidosis. CD/T vaccine can help you protect you against entero, free choice baking soda will help guard against ketoacidosis.

For my heavy milkers that get EXTRA portions of grain, I sprinkle baking soda on their second helping.


I don't usually vaccinate with CD/T. But if you are going to be feeding grains heavily, you need to be sure your goats are protected.

 

[adorable]

oh .,,ok thanks

 

[helmstead]

My goats LOVE vanilla pudding - that's what I mix their yucky meds in. I'm sure vanilla yogurt would be great.

Skip the sheep feed, it doesn't have the copper which goaties need.

 

[adorable]

ok. How much yogurt to i give them.How long do i do it for

 

[redhen]

question...if my goats droppings are fine...should i still give them probiotics? i do have some here....but, i never give them it because i am afraid it will upset their tummy if they dont need it....