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Mineral Supplements


I offer loose minerals, free choice, at all times. I offer it in a way that it cannot be "soiled" (stepped in or pooped in), because if it does get soiled, the goat will not eat it. I do not use mineral blocks because the kids climb on them and soil them and then the goats will not use it.

I use a cattle mineral mix that we can find, and buy, locally and has in it what we want for our goats. We mix it equal parts minerals to Diamond V Yeast Culture.

Diamond V Yeast Culture XP is all natural and helps increase ruminal yeasts and bacteria, which, in turn, aids in digestion and helps the goats better utilize their food. It a sense, think of it as a "food booster".  It also contains extra protein and vitamins.  (NOTE: This is not the same thig as brewers yeast, bread yeast or nutritional yeast.)  I find when I feed this yeast my goats health is generally better and their coats are shinier in the summer and thicker in the winter. I also find that it increases milk yield. There are a few forms of Diamond V Yeast such as XP and XPC.  I use, and really like, the "XPC" . This XPC is on the expensive side but I feel it is most definitely worth the cost and effort. .

Do not use a mineral mix labeled for "sheep and goats". This mix is really just for sheep and will not contain copper (sheep can't have copper). Goats do need copper. You are better off using a general livestock mix. 

Look for mixes that contain the proper ratio of about 2 parts Calcium to 1 part Phosphorus.

I also offer baking soda free choice in a separate container. Baking soda aids the goat to buffer their rumen, which aids in digestion and helps avoid bloat. The goats will use it if they need it. If the baking soda "gets old" and you feel it is time to refresh it, just sprinkle the old remainder soda on a stall floor.

Goats like their minerals and baking soda fresh, so I offer only as much as they will finish off in a couple of days. This helps avoid waste.

I offer omy minerals in such a way that the goats can't "soil" them. I hang the mineral feeders, which I have modified by cutting out a section in the middle so they will hang on a modified "livestock panel". I have modified the livestock panel by using bolt cutters to remove a section. The goats can now stick their heads through the panel to get to the minerals, but cannot step in them. The other side of the panel is our chicken coop, and the goats are not allowed in there, so they cannot get at the minerals from the other side. Hardware cloth keeps the chicken out of the minerals from the other side.

 

 

The following is the analysis of some mineral mixes that are good for use in goats. You can use these comparisons to help find a mix available in your area that will work for your goats.:
   

Vigortone FC No. 32S- For Beef Cattle on Pasture

Purina Mills Goat Mineral (5509)
Golden Blend Goat Minerals
Calcium minimum

13.5%

9.00 % 13%
Calcium maximum

16.2%

11.00 % 15.6%
Phosphorus (P) minimum 7% 8 % 7%
Salt (NaCl) minimum 18.2% 41 % 20%
Salt (NaCl) maximum 21.8% 45 % 24%
Magnesium (Mg) minimum 0.20% 1 % 1%
Potassium (K) minimum 0.40% 0.10 % 0.90%
Sulfer (S) minimum     1.20%
Iron (FE) minimum     1%
Manganese (MN) minimum     0.03%
Copper (Cu) minimum 1250 PPM 1750 ppm 0.15%
Cobalt (CO) minimum     0.006%
Iodine (I) minimum     0.007%
Selenium (Se) minimum 26.4 PPM 25 ppm 12 MG/LB
Zinc (Zn) minimum 3000 PPM 7500 ppm 0.40%
Vit A minimum 300,000 IU/LB 140,000IU/LB 220,000 IU/LB
Vit D minimum 30,000 IU/LB 11,000IU/LB 45,000 IU/LB
Vit E minimum 100 IU/LB 750 IU/LB 220 IU/LB

 

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Disclaimer

The information on this web site is provided as an examples of how we do things here at Fias Co Farm. It is supplied for general reference and educational purposes only. This information does not represent the management practices or thinking of other goat breeders and/or the veterinary community. We are not veterinarians or doctors, and the information on this site is not intended to replace professional veterinary and/or medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your vet and/or doctor. We present the information and products on this site without guarantees, and we disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this information and/or products. The extra-label use of any medicine in a food producing animal is illegal without a prescription from a veterinarian.

The statements presented on this site regarding the use of herbs, herbal supplements and formulas have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The use of herbs for the prevention or cure of disease has not been approved by the FDA or USDA. We therefore make no claims to this effect. We do not claim to diagnose or cure any disease. The products referred to and/or offered on this web site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided here is for educational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or professional advice. The information provided about herbs and the products on this site is not intended to promote any direct or implied health claims. Any person making the decision to act upon this information is responsible for investigating and understanding the effects of their own actions.