Post by mtcowgirl on Dec 25, 2015 14:18:30 GMT -5
The alfalfa you have is probably just fine. If fact your cows probably need it. But your problems arose when switching their feed quickly and they over ate it. It sounds like your alfalfa is very leafy and without stems. That grade of alfalfa I would use more as a supplement because it is a concentrate feed like grain when it is rich like that. I would totally feed 10-12 lbs per head per day. Add 8-10 lbs of oats and all the grass hay they want and they should do very well. I've been feeding diamond V XP yeast and I too have noticed improved condition on the same ration. My cows seem happier as if they are satisfied and have full tummies all the time.
Thank you, I am kinda inclined to think this is what happened. I will try and start over here as soon as they are feeling better. The one cow is starting to have normal poops in consistency still hay bits in it. The other one is still loose, not diarreah, but looser, her poops still splat and splatter, lots of hay bits in that one.
I just got some Probios supplements in here and gave their first dose last night. It was recommending 10 grams as a daily dose, and then 30 grams if under stressful conditions and sick for 3 days. So I have been doing the 30 grams and then maybe switich to the 10 once I can start seeing some improvement in them.
Their attitude is deffinently better. Alert not so lathargic. They are starting to eat grain again, I have worked them up to about a 1lb of dairy ration, and a lb of ground barely. I am also adding the daimond v yeast, baking soda, the probios and molasses. I ran out of comfrey, wish I had some more to give them, oh well.