Chatroom

[flourish]
 All Forums
 "You Bought WHAT?!"
 Pasture-fed vs. Grain-fed
 Changing Grain - Guidelines

Note: You must be logged in to post.
To log in, click here.
To join Heritage Jersey Organization, click here. It’s FREE!

Screensize:
Format Mode:
Format: BoldItalicizedUnderlineStrikethrough Align LeftCenteredAlign Right Insert QuoteInsert List Horizontal Rule Insert EmailInsert Hyperlink Insert Image ManuallyUpload Image Embed Video
   
Message:

* HTML is OFF
* Forum Code is ON
Smilies
Smile [:)] Big Smile [:D] Cool [8D] Blush [:I]
Tongue [:P] Evil [):] Wink [;)] Clown [:o)]
Black Eye [B)] Eight Ball [8] Frown [:(] Shy [8)]
Shocked [:0] Angry [:(!] Dead [xx(] Sleepy [|)]
Kisses [:X] Approve [^] Disapprove [V] Question [?]

 
Check here to subscribe to this topic.
   

T O P I C    R E V I E W
SLynn Posted - Jun 08 2017 : 12:49:39 PM
Hi All!

Sorry if this topic isn't under the correct forum. I wasn't completely sure where to ask this question. :)

I would like to change the grain that my new dairy cow is currently on. I know I should do this gradually, but I would love some guidelines. Thank you!
8   L A T E S T    R E P L I E S    (Newest First)
txbikergirl Posted - Jun 09 2017 : 05:34:53 AM
yep, farm poop holds all the answers!
CloversMum Posted - Jun 08 2017 : 9:49:10 PM
As I've changed feed for my animals, I always watch their poop for any indications of changing too fast.
maryjane Posted - Jun 08 2017 : 5:35:19 PM
She'll let you know how fast or slow you can change her feed. If her old feed has molasses in it, she might shy away from your new feed. Slowly but surely you'll get there.
NellieBelle Posted - Jun 08 2017 : 3:52:44 PM
Everyday, twice a day, after I've milked and looked the girls over, I stand at the barn doors and just observe each one for a time and evaluate them. How are their appetites, change in bowel movements, and behavior. It has made me familiar with each one and their "normal" behavior. So I know when they are coming in heat, or if their is something off. It's worth the time spent, observing, and it's a comforting feeling too. They usually check me out too. I've learned much just watching. Probably the most valuable thing I can do for their wellbeing. Daily assessing.
SLynn Posted - Jun 08 2017 : 3:40:59 PM
Thank you! I remember when we first got our sheep. I had the same "fish out of water" feeling, so I know that I will learn, grow, and gain confidence. I always remind myself when it comes to our homestead: It's a journey, not an event.

Thank you again! :)
NellieBelle Posted - Jun 08 2017 : 2:52:19 PM
You are not alone Lynn. We've all been where you are in our milk cow experience and we continue to learn everyday. So we're all in this together. Learning as we go.
SLynn Posted - Jun 08 2017 : 1:17:52 PM
I am actually passing the feed store that carries her current grain on our way home from picking her up. I was going to grab a bag of her old feed, and also get a better quality grain of our choice.

Then, start by mixing mostly her old grain with maybe 1/4 of the new grain? Then increase the new grain gradually over a week or two...or three? I hate to have any old grain left over.

I am so new at this it hurts. Ha!

Thanks for your reply!
maryjane Posted - Jun 08 2017 : 1:03:26 PM
Any chance you can get some of the old and slowly mix in some of the new until it's all new?