Post by Applelonia on Nov 1, 2017 14:04:50 GMT -5
In the last week it seems as though France has dropped weight fast. I’ve stopped milking her - only take 6-8 cups twice a week. Calves have been keeping her empty.
Took pictures this morning before she ate.
Can see her ribs and short ribs. And overall she is just looking too boney. ☹️ I’m used to the Randalls and not a dairy breed but I think she’s looking way too skinny...especially going into winter.
Want to get weight on her. I will get her rechecked for diseases when I send in milk samples in the next few weeks - she was tested prior to purchase - negative - dam also tested for BLV - negative. I believe it’s a nutrient input vs. output issue...needing more/different feed. Her manure is regular consistency. Last fecal check for worms was clear/good.
She comes from 100 percent grass-fed Guernseys but in our climate I think she’s not going to be able to be 100 percent grass-fed. I’m okay with that!
She gets free-choice grass/alfalfa mix hay. Third cutting. She used to eat it better but has gotten more picky. She has never had grains before.
I want to avoid GMOs and stick with organic. Is all beet pulp GMO?
What grain or grains should she start with?
How much?
What is the target amount daily she should be eating of grains - lb wise?
We live in Minnesota - already had temps in the 30s...20s...teens and snow. We have long - cold winters.
The organic grains we have on hand (for our chickens/geese) cracked/rolled corn, whole: wheat, oats, barley. I can order various dairy mixes of grains with vits/minerals mixed in with different levels of protein from an organic fed mill we get the bird grains from, it will take a couple of weeks to get them. They will do custom mixes as well ...I just have no idea where to start.
Also, France comes from a low producing line 3-4 gallons. She is at her limit feeding both calves right now. Daffodil doesn’t seem to be producing more so Dazzling drinks from France 1-2 times a day. Dazzling often wants more from France but I’ll pull her off so Cordelia has some.
Soon the calves will not be getting enough to grow well and to keep warm this winter. France would have enough if just feeding Cordelia - her calf but Dazzling is the extra that is just too much. What options do I have for feeding a calf organically to supplement their feed. Is there some kind of pellet mix or do they eat grains? They will be five weeks old.
Took pictures this morning before she ate.
Can see her ribs and short ribs. And overall she is just looking too boney. ☹️ I’m used to the Randalls and not a dairy breed but I think she’s looking way too skinny...especially going into winter.
Want to get weight on her. I will get her rechecked for diseases when I send in milk samples in the next few weeks - she was tested prior to purchase - negative - dam also tested for BLV - negative. I believe it’s a nutrient input vs. output issue...needing more/different feed. Her manure is regular consistency. Last fecal check for worms was clear/good.
She comes from 100 percent grass-fed Guernseys but in our climate I think she’s not going to be able to be 100 percent grass-fed. I’m okay with that!
She gets free-choice grass/alfalfa mix hay. Third cutting. She used to eat it better but has gotten more picky. She has never had grains before.
I want to avoid GMOs and stick with organic. Is all beet pulp GMO?
What grain or grains should she start with?
How much?
What is the target amount daily she should be eating of grains - lb wise?
We live in Minnesota - already had temps in the 30s...20s...teens and snow. We have long - cold winters.
The organic grains we have on hand (for our chickens/geese) cracked/rolled corn, whole: wheat, oats, barley. I can order various dairy mixes of grains with vits/minerals mixed in with different levels of protein from an organic fed mill we get the bird grains from, it will take a couple of weeks to get them. They will do custom mixes as well ...I just have no idea where to start.
Also, France comes from a low producing line 3-4 gallons. She is at her limit feeding both calves right now. Daffodil doesn’t seem to be producing more so Dazzling drinks from France 1-2 times a day. Dazzling often wants more from France but I’ll pull her off so Cordelia has some.
Soon the calves will not be getting enough to grow well and to keep warm this winter. France would have enough if just feeding Cordelia - her calf but Dazzling is the extra that is just too much. What options do I have for feeding a calf organically to supplement their feed. Is there some kind of pellet mix or do they eat grains? They will be five weeks old.