Re: [AlpacaTalk] Bottle baby
I know, I wish there were more specifics out there! As it is, the is the only way to get the info! I've been told that my feeding every two hours is too often, and the rule of thumb of 10% of the cria's body weight just isn't enough for my cria. I'm probably feeding her 20% of her body weight, and although she is gaining almost 1/2 lb per day, we have others who are gaining 3/4 lb or more per day, who are fed by their dams. If I fed my baby only 10% of her body weight, I wonder if she'd be gaining at all? She seems to be utilizing every bit of it, she urinates well and there's very little poop at all. The milk replacer seems to be almost 100% digestible, although it's not forming firm beans.
Thanks Heather! The Evans book isn't very specific about when and how much past the early part of cria-hood. I'd love to get her to higher amounts less frequently, but....like you, don't want her going hungry and trying to see how much she can get Mom to produce. Her IgG was very low, but she had 12 oz of bovine colostrum, so I'm hoping that was enough to do the trick -- and from all appearances now, it looks like she's doing fine. I'll be able to watch a little closer beginning this afternoon since my daughter and her family have been here for over a week. I just haven't had time to sit and watch, but several days ago, I'd catch baby on Mm nearly every time I went out to the barn/pasture. I think she's doing her part, but I'm concerned that Mom's 'fat' status has impacted her milk supply. Then again, her mother didn't milk so well with her, but the 2 babies since she's been a good producer. Keep your fingers crossed for us! At least this baby sucks the bottles down without any fight or fuss....she comes running when she sees come into the pasture -- it takes longer to heat the milk, put some yogurt in and walk out there than for her drink it........so feeding is easy -- not going to complain!thanks again!Susan
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posted by Chaddo at 10:48 AM
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