All Goats need copper, look to be sure copper levels are high enough to meet our needs. Levels should be at least 1500 ppm, but much higher is often needed. Selenium is one mineral we will not see in high amounts..since there are many areas high in selenium, mineral makers keep level safe for all areas, less a farmer ends up with toxicity levels. So what brand do we choose, what are we looking for in the Guarentee analisis?
*Choose quality. While price is indeed a factor, it should not be our only deciding factor. Trust the company you choose.
*Discuss with your vet, feed mill nutritionist or Cooperative Extension agent what needs are in your area. Once you know what is low in your area, you will want to look to be sure the mineral covers that well.
*Look for that 2:1 ratio
* make sure mineral is in a usable form. “As a general rule of thumb, the sulfate forms of most minerals are more bio-available than the oxide or chloride forms, however there are exceptions. For instance, magnesium oxide is a highly available form of magnesium. As the bioavailability of the mineral decreases, the amount of mineral needed increases.” Jackie Nix ,nutritionist with Sweetlix
* Skip the block...they often contain too much salt and are hard on teeth and tongue. Loose minerals insure your herd is getting what they need with out extra salt.
Expect the herd to gobble through the first few bags of mineral. Once they balance out what that are missing, they will taper off. Feed fresh daily, change after humid or wet weather..watch for mold. Feed off the ground to keep dirty feet out of food.
While there are many good choices out there, only you can decide what your herd needs...
a few to look at
Cargil right now onyx
Sweet lix meat maker
ADM minerals
Prefer herbal? I use LOH Parasite formula with success or you can
Try this mix
10 pounds Kelp
16oz Dr Christapher vitalerbs
add herbs that address your needs such as
2 oz pumpkin seed powder for selenium
1 oz brigham tea to help the body use copper
Talk with Kristie Miller of Land of Havilah to discuss your needs and purchase herbs
http://landofhavilahfarm.com/loh/