Minerals for Goats
Encouraging strong, healthy goats is, in my opinion, the easiest way to raise a herd. Rather than deal with issues, I find it is best to build their strength and immune systems so they can fight off pests, worms, and diseases. If you agree, this article on how to feed minerals for goats will get you off to the best start.
How to raise dairy goats that are healthy and happy begins with their nutrition.
As homesteaders, we take pride in raising our own livestock and providing the best care possible. One crucial aspect of caring for goats is supporting and raising a healthy herd with supplements and minerals.
Minerals are essential for a goat’s overall health and well-being. But what are minerals? How do goats eat them? Where can you purchase them? What ingredients should be in good minerals? What is better: a mineral block or loose minerals? What minerals are better for bucks and wethers? What minerals are better for does that are ready to kid?
We will answer these questions and more to help you understand minerals and their importance for your entire goat herd.
What are Minerals?
Minerals are naturally occurring substances found in soil and rocks that are essential for the health and well-being of animals. They play a vital role in many body functions, including bone development, muscle contraction, nerve function, and immune system support.
What to Look for in Goat Minerals
When looking for minerals for goats, be sure it is for goats only and not goats and sheep. You want to be sure there is a enough copper in the minerals and for that reason, stick with brands that are made for goats only. Copper is esential for goats as it is needed for their immune systems, fertility, and overall healthy.
Goat minerals for bucks and wethers should contain ammonium chloride. This will protect your goats from unirary colculi which is a potentially deadly unirary-tract condition.
How do Goats Eat minerals?
Goats obtain minerals from the hay and pasture they consume. If you live in an area that has a natural mineral deficiency in the soil, the grass and hay they are eating will not give them the support they require. Supplementing what is missing will keep your entire herd healthier.
For example, we live in a selenium deficient area and that means we need to supplement with selenium in our herd. If you are not sure what minerals your area is deficient in you can contact your local extension office or 4H group and ask.
Where Can You Purchase Minerals?
Minerals for goats are available at most local farm supply stores, farm chains like Tractor Supply, or online. It’s essential to choose a reputable brand that specializes in goat nutrition, as some minerals designed for other animals might be deficient in necessary minerals for goats.
Remember to only purchase minerals that are made specifically for goats only. This will ensure you can giving them exactly what they need.
Goat Minerals:
- Manna Pro Goat Minerals with Ammonium Chloride
- Goat Mineral Supplement for Milk Production
- Goat Mineral Supplement Block for All Types and Lifestages
Purina | Goat Mineral Supplement for All Types and Lifestages | 25 Pound (25 lb) BagManna Pro Goat Mineral Supplement – Made with Vitamins & Minerals to Support Growth & Development – Contains Ammonium Chloride – Microbial Blend for Digestion – 8 lbs
LBH Market Little Giant Mineral Feeder 3.5 Qt with Fasteners for Goats and Horses
Ridley 10993 18LB Goat Care Pail – Quantity 1
What Is Better: A Mineral Block or Loose Minerals?
Both mineral blocks and loose minerals have their advantages and disadvantages. We have fed both through the years and find that both are good to use in different scenarios.
Mineral Blocks Pros:
- Mineral blocks are an excellent choice for goats that are prone to dropping as they eat which can lead to waste affecting your bottom line.
- They are also convenient and easy to use.
- Once you set one up, it will last for weeks or even months depending on the size of your herd.
Mineral Blocks Cons:
- Some goats may not lick the block enough to get the necessary amount of minerals.
- You need a wire holder for the blocks.
- They are quite heavy and may be hard to set up if you are older or have a bad back.
Loose Minerals Pros:
- Loose minerals allow goats to consume what they need freely.
- Allows you to mix up the exact combo of minerals your herd needs.
- You can sprinkle loose minerals onto bowls of feed if you tether-feed your goats. This allows you to customize full feed/mineral regimens.
Loose Minerals Cons:
- Loose minerals need to be fed to a herd more frequently.
- More dominant goats may consume all the minerals keeping the weaker goats from getting their necessary portions.
What Minerals Are Better for Bucks and Wethers?
Bucks and wethers have different mineral requirements than does, as their bodies don’t need the added minerals for pregnancy and milk production. Calcium and phosphorus are essential, but they don’t need as much as does do. Copper and zinc are also crucial for bucks’ and wethers’ reproductive health. Most importantly, be sure it contains ammonium chloride to help prevent the occurrence of urinary calculi
What Minerals Are Better for Does That Are Ready to Kid?
Pregnant and lactating does need higher levels of minerals for optimal fetal development and milk production. Calcium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc are all essential. However, be cautious not to overfeed minerals to the does as it could cause mineral toxicity to the kid.
Remember to check with your county extension agent to find out if the soil in your area is selenium deficient.
Should you give minerals to goat kids?
Mineral supplements are not usually necessary for kids starting out because they will be getting their immune help and support from their mother’s milk. If you have minerals out free-choice for the moms, the goat kids will usually taste and explore what is inside. As they get older, they will begin eating the minerals as their body craves them.
Ensuring that your homestead goats have an adequate mineral intake can help them maintain good health and be more disease-resistant. Minerals play a vital role in raising a healthy herd, which is why it’s essential to pay attention to your goat’s mineral intake.
Mineral blocks or loose minerals are both convenient options, and it’s a matter of preference and goat behavior. Understanding the mineral requirements for bucks, wethers, and does can help ensure that your goats get all the necessary minerals they need to thrive.
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