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Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 1:54 pm
by davidw
I'd appreciate advice on how to deal with a cow who appears to be hungry. My few Dexters are inside and being fed with some compound feed, beet nuts and hay. They all appear to be fit and well with glossy coats etc, but one seems to be unusually hungry, especially for the beet nuts. She pushes the trough around to search for spilled nuts and takes any extra food very aggressively. She's 4 years old, isn't over-fat, but is still suckling a 7 month old calf and is in calf again. Its difficult to feed her any extra without upsetting the others. Any hints or suggestions would be much appreciated.
David Williams
Edited By davidw on 1235480129
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 2:47 pm
by CarolineL
Hi David. Is she hungry or greedy? She might just like the taste of the sweet beet nuts? We're having a similar problem with our small herd - we've only got one suckling a calf and the others will eat as much as she will. There's a useful discussion at the end of the Newbie Help Please topic with some advice from people about getting the balance right. Hope that helps!
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 3:16 pm
by davidw
This young cow has held back from the feed until the last couple of weeks. I have another older cow who is greedy - and has the waistline to show for it. Its the change in behaviour of the younger one that has me concerned.
David Williams
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 9:41 pm
by ann
is it possible to feed the calf separately mine can get through into a separate pen to a hay supply if you could give the calf extra hard food this way you would take some of the strain of the cow, or feed her extra from a bucket, if you stand guard the rest will soon understand that they are not welcome. A useful item to deter them is a wooden spoon as it makes a nice slapping noise if you tap them with it but does no damage. 
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:29 pm
by strawberriesclint
Hi
just a thought have you wormed them recently? this can cause cows to eat and not put on weight.
cyndy
Edited By strawberriesclint on 1235514588