The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: McRennet on October 10, 2011, 02:19:29 pm

Title: Which Vitamin/Mineral Supplement?
Post by: McRennet on October 10, 2011, 02:19:29 pm

Ok,

following in from my earlier [post I was wondering what people use (if anything) as a vitamin and mineral supplement.

I believe my girls could do with a wee boost as there is only grass out there at the mo and the hay is pretty poor too. they are soon to go onto a new paddock with some lovely nettles and thistles for them but even so I want to make sure they are getting all that they need.

I do try to get them branches when I can but it's not a regular thing and so I don't think I can really count it in their 'daily allowance'!

Appreciate your feedback on this one. At the moment I'm looking at Capravite or Seaweed.

Many taas.

 :wave:

Title: Re: Which Vitamin/Mineral Supplement?
Post by: wytsend on October 10, 2011, 03:22:18 pm

Leanna,

I have just had a new mineral mix formulated... I now feed less get more milk etc,   have never seen my girls look so good.

Ring me and I will get a sample sent to you... 01647 231456

Title: Re: Which Vitamin/Mineral Supplement?
Post by: Anke on October 10, 2011, 04:17:46 pm

Caprivite is well tested and established - but it may take goats a while to get used to it. I also use some seaweed powder during their pregnancies (mixed into sugar beet shreds), as well as garlic granules. I don't use any other supplement. (but they have daily doses of branches, grass (in the summer I do not feed any hay, just grass, freshly cut).

I would be a bit careful as you can easily overdose on some things.

Also I would speak to my vet re any known mineral deficiences in your local soil, and if there is a possibility do a soil test/grass test - in the summer. Then you may need to add specifics in other forms, such as drench or injection.

Title: Re: Which Vitamin/Mineral Supplement?
Post by: wytsend on October 10, 2011, 04:46:49 pm

I agree Caprivite has been useful for goats but it is lacking in a lot of things.

Did you know that Cobalt is to be phased out of all animal feeds over a period of time... now considered too precious to add to feeds apparently.  So to combat this, additional B12 is needed.

I agree a soil analysis is the best way forward.... 90% of UK is copper deficient & generally high in molybdenum which in turn, prevents the uptake of copper from the ground.