Hi, everyone! This is my first time writing on this forum. :) We have four adorable goats on our farm, and one is pregnant (our first!) due around June 21st. I have a couple questions. My goats have access to our horses’ mineral block, and I’ve seen them licking it. One of my goats is showing signs of copper deficiency (black coat is turning a little rusty). Could the horse block be preventing them from wanting the free choice goat minerals I have for them? Should I keep the horse mineral block out of reach? Also, is it safe to give a copper bolus to a pregnant goat? Thanks!
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You answered your own question :) Mineral consumption is driven by the salt. If they are licking the horse block, that is likely meeting their salt intake. Even though most horse blocks have copper, they can’t lick enough to get an appropriate amount. I would definitely move it so it is out of their reach and then see if an increase in their goat mineral intake will correct possible deficiencies. Also, be sure that what you are providing is a good quality loose goat mineral such as SweetLix or Purina. Many goat minerals on the market do not have a good balance of minerals. As far as safety of the bolus goes, I try to keep introductions of anything to a minimum while my does are pregnant, so I always time our boluses to be given right before breeding. That being said, I have given a small bolus to boost dewormer effectiveness during pregnancy with my vet’s direction, and no bad outcome :)
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Ok, thank you so much for the advice. :)
Hi Priscilla!
You answered your own question :) Mineral consumption is driven by the salt. If they are licking the horse block, that is likely meeting their salt intake. Even though most horse blocks have copper, they can’t lick enough to get an appropriate amount. I would definitely move it so it is out of their reach and then see if an increase in their goat mineral intake will correct possible deficiencies. Also, be sure that what you are providing is a good quality loose goat mineral such as SweetLix or Purina. Many goat minerals on the market do not have a good balance of minerals.
As far as safety of the bolus goes, I try to keep introductions of anything to a minimum while my does are pregnant, so I always time our boluses to be given right before breeding. That being said, I have given a small bolus to boost dewormer effectiveness during pregnancy with my vet’s direction, and no bad outcome :)
Tammy