I've just spent time searching for copper dosages. In the past, I have given 1/2 capsule to adults and 1/4 to youngsters. Now that I know how heavy Ginger (3 years old) is compared to Summer (4 years old and milking), I am thinking this might not be the best dosage for Ginger with there being a 20-pound difference in their weight. Summer = 62.4 lbs. Ginger = 80 lbs. Dancer = 69.8 lbs. Dollie = 45.8 lbs.
Dollie is 10-1/2 months old but adult weight. If I look at what I was doing before and Dollie would be given 1/2 capsule as an adult, should Ginger be getting a full capsule at almost twice Dollie's weight right now?
Or should I give all of them 1/2 capsule and give it more often to Ginger (80 lbs.) and Dancer (70 lbs.)?
Replies
Because that's the way they come from the feed store. It would be terribly expensive to buy hulled seeds for them and they would not have the benefit of the "peelings." As far as I know, only humans and squirrels remove the hulls. I think I read that the shells add extra nutrition and are good for their coats. I do love my goats, a lot, but I'm not going to remove the hulls from their sunflower seeds.<g> (They do, after all, eat small branches and vines.)
Regarding the selenium, is it likely they might be low if they have been getting BOSS? I always buy the sunflower seeds at the store, hull on of course. They likely get an average of 1/4 per day most of the time though Summer (milking) gets more.
The dosage that is usually studied is 1 gram per 20 pounds, so I give my does 4 grams.
Since you know you have a problem with water in the winter, you might do the copper after two months in the winter, but stick with the every three months dosing in the summer when they're getting mostly rain water.
Judy, the only reason I used that amount is because the person who gave me the dosage said she uses half a capsule every 3-4 months, one-fourth for a kid. Definitely don't take the dosage I used as correct; it not based on any official information. Surely, Deborah or one of our other members who know for certain will respond.
Judy Asarkof said:
I only feed grass hay, seeetlix minerals, BOSS, pumpkin seeds but winter water has some iron and sulfur although some taken out by water softener- with rain water in summer.
That should be enough copper. I just top dress grain on the milk stand for my does. If they don't get it all, I sprinkle a few pieces of grain on top of the copper, and since they have to lick up the grain, they get the copper too.
Yes, I've been giving the selenium free choice for about four years now.
Rather important information, isn't that? Copasure 12.5 g
Tonight, I gave all of them half a capsule in apple slices which is how I usually give it to them. Capri didn't like marshmallows so tried that only once though it might be work trying again since it's more difficult to get all of it in them with the slices (and have to hold the little pan under them to catch what falls as they are chewing and get it in more slices).
While I am here, more questions. I am ordering some selenium from Caprine supply. Should that be free choice or, as it says on their order page, add 1/4 ounce daily to top dress. And what does 1/4 oz. translate to in teaspoons?
What size capsule are you talking about?