Does the zinc and selenium and E in Sunflower seeds abate if seeds are hulled

Well - I did some research all night before sleeping and it seems to say out there that there is no real value in the shell except for fiber. So since my goats are nuts for the insides - I feel OK that the nutrition is mostly in the meat.

They especially noted that it was unwise for human kids to eat shell-on sunflower seeds. A couple are ok but if you eat a lot - it can cause an obstruction and tear things inside. Ewwww! Goats of course would be different having a different system.

I don't feed a lot of grain yet as everyone is dry/pregnant but yes - the BOSS goes in with the bribe grain when they go in to bed PLUS - I have 1 doe who is a bit dry and I think showing signs of zinc deficiency although mild - so she gets a little extra in my hand. I am of course swarmed as everyone likes that special treatment.

Thanks Deborah for the past posting about the concept of alfalfa combating the zinc - I have 2 hay types - just grass hay and some hay with a little alfalfa in it. I wonder if they are getting a bit too much calcium but irregardless - we are down to the grass hay a bit more anyway. That should help as well.

I'll be using these BOSS as a treat to get used to the milking stand!

Judy

Replies

Deborah Niemann-Boehle March 12, 2014 at 10:21pm

Good to know! Thanks for sharing!
Judy Asarkof March 12, 2014 at 8:59am

Well - I did some research all night before sleeping and it seems to say out there that there is no real value in the shell except for fiber. So since my goats are nuts for the insides - I feel OK that the nutrition is mostly in the meat.

They especially noted that it was unwise for human kids to eat shell-on sunflower seeds. A couple are ok but if you eat a lot - it can cause an obstruction and tear things inside. Ewwww! Goats of course would be different having a different system.

I don't feed a lot of grain yet as everyone is dry/pregnant but yes - the BOSS goes in with the bribe grain when they go in to bed PLUS - I have 1 doe who is a bit dry and I think showing signs of zinc deficiency although mild - so she gets a little extra in my hand. I am of course swarmed as everyone likes that special treatment.

Thanks Deborah for the past posting about the concept of alfalfa combating the zinc - I have 2 hay types - just grass hay and some hay with a little alfalfa in it. I wonder if they are getting a bit too much calcium but irregardless - we are down to the grass hay a bit more anyway. That should help as well.

I'll be using these BOSS as a treat to get used to the milking stand!

Judy
Deborah Niemann-Boehle March 11, 2014 at 10:57pm

That's a great question, and I have no idea. However, have you tried just mixing the sunflower seeds in with their grain? I've never given my goats straight sunflower seeds.

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