Posted by GoatWorld on January 14, 2001 at 11:27:13:
In Reply to: Alfalfa hay bales posted by Deborah on January 14, 2001 at 10:54:32:
Hello Deborah,
For the most part, we pretty much feed our goats (and sheep) alfalfa bales all the time. It comes out to a little over a bale and a half a day. The type we feed is what is called "mixed grassy alfalfa". The goats will fight you (and each other for it). It goes without saying that they tend to waste alot of it too if you do not use a square hay bale feeder which keeps it up off the ground.
Just watch carefully for moldy bales. Also supplement their feed with loose minerals, treats such as cracked corn, some oats now and then, etc. Our goats are spoiled but they have done well on the alfalfa as well as what they browse in our pastures.
Something too I might mention - I have been wary of those big round bales of hay because most of them I see are out in the weather. This would certainly mean that there is going to be harmful mold present. This is why I choose strictly the smaller bales - easier to handle and inspect. They are also put up dry in a dry barn. And in my opinion, the cheaper the hay per bale, the quality seems to suffer in nutrition. Pay an extra dollar or two to know that you are getting good, clean hay.
Hope this helps,
Gary Pfalzbot