Post by mrssmitho on Dec 1, 2011 8:38:36 GMT -5
ok...I have done almost nothing but read what/when/how/how much for the last few days. There is so much info for pre & post calving, I am hoping someone will help me figure it all out, to a point, and tell me I am on the right track or out of the park... I am supposed to get "the book" for Christmas can't wait!!
history: Jersey/Holstein heifer, 33 months old, bred to a mini Hereford, due date today, but looks like a week out, at least. She has green grass and grass hay at will and gets 2 feedings of appx 5 gallons of fodder (sprouted grains) per day, she also gets treats of garden plants and veggies. I have tried to give her SoCal and can't get her to take it even when I stuff it into peppers and egg plant. ;D
Here is what I think I get:
I should have SoCal on hand. I should serve her warm molasses water during calving, maybe for a couple days.
confused/questions:
-Should I offer her some molasses water before calving?
-Why do I read some folks offer baking soda? thought that was for goats.
-I would like to keep it as "natural" and "old school" as possible, but should I get and offer her some beet pulp?
-I haven't offered loose minerals since we started the fodder (not supposed to need it)...should I get some? Or a tub lick? I know it can't hurt, but trying to be "old school" here.
-Should I offer her more from the garden? I have Swiss chard, turnips & greens, passion vine, and collards planted mostly just for her. She gets a load every day for a treat.
-OR, would it be too much of a change to close to birth and should just leave alone until something happens?
I appreciate all y"alls' time and wisdom.
There are pics of her on the thread "due 12-1-11 ? y'all think? pic heavy" thread.
Thanks again and I hope everyone has a great day!!
history: Jersey/Holstein heifer, 33 months old, bred to a mini Hereford, due date today, but looks like a week out, at least. She has green grass and grass hay at will and gets 2 feedings of appx 5 gallons of fodder (sprouted grains) per day, she also gets treats of garden plants and veggies. I have tried to give her SoCal and can't get her to take it even when I stuff it into peppers and egg plant. ;D
Here is what I think I get:
I should have SoCal on hand. I should serve her warm molasses water during calving, maybe for a couple days.
confused/questions:
-Should I offer her some molasses water before calving?
-Why do I read some folks offer baking soda? thought that was for goats.
-I would like to keep it as "natural" and "old school" as possible, but should I get and offer her some beet pulp?
-I haven't offered loose minerals since we started the fodder (not supposed to need it)...should I get some? Or a tub lick? I know it can't hurt, but trying to be "old school" here.
-Should I offer her more from the garden? I have Swiss chard, turnips & greens, passion vine, and collards planted mostly just for her. She gets a load every day for a treat.
-OR, would it be too much of a change to close to birth and should just leave alone until something happens?
I appreciate all y"alls' time and wisdom.
There are pics of her on the thread "due 12-1-11 ? y'all think? pic heavy" thread.
Thanks again and I hope everyone has a great day!!