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If you’re raising Boer does, alfalfa should be on your radar during pregnancy. It’s one of the best feeds you can offer a pregnant Boer goat, and most experienced breeders consider it a standard part of the ration.
The extra protein and calcium in alfalfa are exactly what a growing doe needs, especially during the last stretch of pregnancy when the kids are putting on most of their weight.
Can pregnant Boer goats eat alfalfa?
Yes, alfalfa is excellent for pregnant Boer does. Boers are a large breed, and pregnant does need the extra protein (15 to 22%) and calcium that alfalfa provides.
This is especially important during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy when kids grow the fastest. A doe carrying twins or triplets is eating for three or four, and regular grass hay alone usually can’t keep up with those demands.
Free-choice alfalfa for pregnant does is standard practice on many Boer goat farms. It gives the doe the option to eat as much as she needs without you having to micro-manage her intake.
Why alfalfa matters for pregnant Boer goats
Alfalfa hay typically runs between 15 and 22% crude protein, compared to 8 to 10% for most grass hays. That protein difference matters a lot when a doe is building muscle, bone, and tissue in developing kids.
The calcium content in alfalfa also helps prevent milk fever after kidding. Does that don’t get enough calcium during late pregnancy are more likely to crash right after delivery when milk production starts pulling calcium from their bones.
Pairing alfalfa with timothy hay provides a balanced mix of protein and fiber.
Alfalfa also provides more energy per pound than grass hay. A pregnant doe in late gestation needs about 50% more energy than a doe that isn’t bred, and alfalfa helps meet that demand.
How to introduce alfalfa safely
The one thing you need to watch for is bloat. Switching from grass hay to alfalfa too quickly can cause digestive upset and bloat, which is dangerous for any goat and especially risky for a pregnant one.
Introduce alfalfa gradually over 7 to 10 days. Start by mixing about 25% alfalfa with 75% grass hay, then increase the alfalfa portion every couple of days until you reach your target ratio.
Sudden diet changes can cause scours from too much rich feed, so patience matters here.
A good starting mix is about 60% grass hay and 40% alfalfa. If the doe is carrying multiples, bump the alfalfa up closer to 50% during the last 6 weeks.
Pellets work well too since they’re easy to measure and goats waste less compared to loose hay.
Signs your doe is getting too much alfalfa
Loose, clumpy droppings are one of the first signs that a doe is getting more alfalfa than her rumen can handle. Healthy goat pellets should be firm and distinct, like little berries.
If her belly looks unusually distended or she seems uncomfortable after eating, she may be dealing with mild bloat. Back off the alfalfa and increase her grass hay for a few days to let things settle.
Urinary calculi can also become a concern when calcium intake from alfalfa is too high relative to phosphorus. This is especially relevant for male goats eating grain, where the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical.
Keep a 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in her overall diet to avoid this problem.
How to tell if your doe is getting enough nutrition
Check her body condition regularly by feeling along her spine and ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure but not see them.
A doe that’s too thin going into the last month of pregnancy is headed for trouble. Nutri-Drench is a safe supplement that can help bridge nutritional gaps for does losing condition.
Look at her coat quality too. A nutritious diet shows up in shiny, healthy fur.
Adding sunflower seeds to the ration is a popular trick for improving coat condition during pregnancy. A doe with dull, dry, rough-looking hair is probably not getting enough protein or energy.
Watch her energy level and appetite. A doe that’s eating well and moving around normally is probably doing fine.
One that’s lethargic, grinding her teeth, or off feed needs attention right away.
Final Thoughts
Alfalfa is one of the best feeds you can give a pregnant Boer doe. Introduce it gradually over 7 to 10 days, mix it with grass hay, and bump up the portion during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Watch for bloat and loose droppings as signs of too much too fast. Keep tabs on body condition, coat quality, and appetite to make sure your doe is getting everything she needs to carry those kids strong to the finish line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alfalfa is safe for pregnant Boer goats to consume. Alfalfa is actually a fantastic source of nutrients for pregnant goats. It contains a lot of calcium, which is important for creating strong bones and teeth.
Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a type of legume that's commonly used to feed livestock. Traditionally, alfalfa has been prized for its high levels of nutrients, including protein and fatty acids, and it's rich supply of antioxidants and vitamins.
Start with a 60/40 mix of grass hay and alfalfa. If the doe is carrying multiples, bump the alfalfa up closer to 50% during the last 6 weeks. Introduce alfalfa gradually over 7 to 10 days to avoid bloat.
The last 6 weeks of pregnancy is the most critical time, when kids are growing fastest and putting the biggest demand on the doe's body. Start increasing alfalfa around this period to prevent energy deficits and milk fever.
