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What do you feed your cow to make her stay put while milking?

Well we did it and we bought our first cow, well actually three! One heifer and two calves. So we want to do all grass fed for our girls and boy. But we also have been told it is a good idea to give them grain while milking them to keep them to stay put. (Did I mention we just got her two days ago and havent had time to build a stanchon yet?) We wanted to give her only organic grains if we are going to give her even a little bit but I have called every grain mill in the area and no one has any nor has heard of anyone who does. So what do you all do? Do you give grains while milking? I'd rather not have something that we need to regularly buy for our girls. Thanks!

Tags: cows

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Permalink Reply by DeDe Jacques on January 5, 2013 at 12:23pm

Since cows stomachs were not created to ingest many grains, we feed ours alfalfa while milking. She loves it!! Have fun!

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Permalink Reply by East West Farm on January 25, 2013 at 10:48pm

We have always fed ours alfalfa either pellets or hay. Since there's no way to tell if the alfalfa is GMO, we've now switched to organic from Countryside Organics.

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Permalink Reply by MyBackAchers Farm on February 11, 2013 at 9:03pm

We feed all our animals sprouted grain fodder because it saves money and it's healthier for the animals. They tend to produce like they do on fresh spring grass, because it is just like spring grass. Feeding them regularly will improve their health too. As this video describes-less mastitus and hoof problems. They also need good hay available.

eOrganic did a good video on: http://www.extension.org/pages/65651/barley-fodder-feeding-for-orga...

For those doing medium to large scale livestock production, we designed several systems besides the shelf system, which was time consuming. That ebook is on http://MyBackAchers.com It's recommended reading before you start setting up a huge shelving system.

And, if you want organic seed, or as close as you can get to it, we get ours from Albert Lea Seed House and they ship any size bag.