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Ben and Girls |
Herd
health is my number one priority and Dairy Air goats are
pretty spoiled. They are fed good quality hay that is
certified organic or certified chemical free (an Iowa
designation). When possible, they are taken for a walk
through our acreage (woods and pasture) at least once a day so
they can eat like goats in the wild. The exercise and
variety in diet is good for them and they enjoy the romp.
Milking does are supplemented with Purina Goat Chow, a high
quality grain mix, to ensure they get adequate nutrition while
producing milk. High quality minerals are provided on a
free choice basis, as well as fresh, clean water at all times. Kids are bottle fed pasteurized
milk from birth until they are at least two month old. There are several
advantages to raising kids this way. They are healthier, grow faster, and
are much easier to manage since they attach to me as their "mom." I start
them on hay after the first week and they are allowed to browse with the herd
from early on so they develop a healthy and efficient digestive system.
I vaccinate for
common diseases. If health issues arise, natural treatment
methods are tried first. If a goat needs to be given
medication, their milk is withheld from human consumption
for twice the recommended time. |
