Guest guest Posted April 9, 2002 Report Share Posted April 9, 2002 I'm still looking for good, local sources of raw milk. I found a lady nearby who raises goats in her backyard and sells the milk raw (also has a cream separator so I could make butter too). But...in addition to grass and weeds, she feeds them some commercial food (Purina brand...contains grains and soy). She says the goats wouldn't produce hardly any milk if they were just grass fed. But, she is also willing to learn new ways to feed her goats if they will produce healthier milk. Is there a good souce where she and I could learn what to feed the goats in order to get the best milk? Any advice, links, resources, etc would be very appreciated. If she did start feeding her goats differently, how long do you think it would take for the milk to change? I'm also getting the same line from the farmers who have cattle. They think if they don't use antibiotics and hormones they are doing everything right and they all say their animals need the grains in order to be healthy and produce milk. I can't educate them when I don't know enough myself. Help...where do I get good info on raising animals the right way?? Thanks, Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2002 Report Share Posted April 9, 2002 In a message dated 4/9/02 12:31:31 AM Central Daylight Time, bdcarr@... writes: > > > > I'm still looking for good, local sources of raw milk. I found a lady > nearby who raises goats in her backyard and sells the milk raw (also has a > cream separator so I could make butter too). But...in addition to grass and > weeds, she feeds them some commercial food (Purina brand...contains grains > and soy). She says the goats wouldn't produce hardly any milk if they were > just grass fed. But, she is also willing to learn new ways to feed her > goats if they will produce healthier milk. > > Is there a good souce where she and I could learn what to feed the goats in > order to get the best milk? Any advice, links, resources, etc would be very > appreciated. > > If she did start feeding her goats differently, how long do you think it > would take for the milk to change? > > I'm also getting the same line from the farmers who have cattle. They think > if they don't use antibiotics and hormones they are doing everything right > and they all say their animals need the grains in order to be healthy and > produce milk. I can't educate them when I don't know enough myself. > Help...where do I get good info on raising animals the right way?? > > Thanks, > Barb Get your farmer a subscription to Acres USA, it's the best thing you can do to get them headed in the right direction. I feed the girls I'm milking grain only to keep them still. What they don't know is their grain is about 1/2 chopped hay. We mix our own mess of whole wheat, oats and a little bit of corn. The non-milking dairy goats and the meat goats are pretty much on their own but we have enough field and forest for them to have plenty of browse. One thing about dairy goat breeders, they tend to be very protective of their goats and keep them in a small area. Not so great if you want the milk. Many of these folks make their real money from showing the goats and selling the kids. The milk is just a little something on the side. Most are convinced that if they don't feed the Purina type stuff the kids won't grow fast enough and the does won't produce as many kids or as much milk. Belinda LaBelle Acres www.labelleacres.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2002 Report Share Posted April 9, 2002 I have milk goats and I always feed them grain when they are in milk. Alfafa hay is also good for milk production (you can buy the dried cubes at the farm store). There are others more equipped to answer your questions than I. Try going to the Dairygoats board at http:// www.greenspun.com/bboard/ > ...But...in addition to grass and weeds, she feeds them some commercial food (Purina brand...contains grains and soy). She says the goats wouldn't produce hardly any milk if they were just grass fed. > > Is there a good souce where she and I could learn what to feed the goats in order to get the best milk? Any advice, links, resources, etc would be very appreciated. > > If she did start feeding her goats differently, how long do you think it would take for the milk to change? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2002 Report Share Posted April 9, 2002 We still feed our goats grain at this time. We no longer feed soy, but in a harsh climate (Minnesota) like ours, I don't see getting around the oats, corn and wheat. Once the pasture comes in we hope to feed less grain. Shari ----- Original Message ----- From: thor610 Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2002 7:42 AM Subject: Re: feeding goats I have milk goats and I always feed them grain when they are in milk. Alfafa hay is also good for milk production (you can buy the dried cubes at the farm store). There are others more equipped to answer your questions than I. Try going to the Dairygoats board at http:// www.greenspun.com/bboard/ > ...But...in addition to grass and weeds, she feeds them some commercial food (Purina brand...contains grains and soy). She says the goats wouldn't produce hardly any milk if they were just grass fed. > > Is there a good souce where she and I could learn what to feed the goats in order to get the best milk? Any advice, links, resources, etc would be very appreciated. > > If she did start feeding her goats differently, how long do you think it would take for the milk to change? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2002 Report Share Posted April 9, 2002 I should clarify about feeding them grain - they only get grain when they are in the milk stand being milked. The rest of the time they are in the pasture or during winter they get hay. > I have milk goats and I always feed them grain when they are in milk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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