Hey all - What are you all using as supplements to hay for feed. I've heard some use Alfalfa Pellets(w/Kelp). Goat Minerals? I have a Tractor Supply near me as one source. Could someone post some links to products they use? Newbie here...
Thanks.
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Free choice loose minerals are a must-have. I get mine from Tractor Supply, the brand is MannaPro and in my area they're $8.99 for 10 lbs. There are other brands, but the MannaPro has worked well for my goats. Mineral supplements for goats should always contain copper, and mineral blocks don't really work for them as they can't get enough from the blocks.
I only use alfalfa pellets to supplement my milking does, and that's only because I can't get alfalfa hay in my area. I also give the does black oil sunflower seeds and a little 16-17% grain. I find that this mix keeps them in good condition and they give sweet, clean, rich milk. I get all these things from Tractor Supply also.
As for my buck and wether, they only get hay, browse, minerals and water on a regular basis. In cold weather I do give them a couple of tablespoons of black oil sunflower seeds for energy. They probably don't need it, but I'm kind of a softie. Grain and other supplemental feed isn't good for them as it can make them fat and cause urinary calculi. The same goes for dry does.
I've never used kelp, although lots of people do. I'm fortunate to live in a wooded area so my goats get lots of leaves/bark from old-growth trees, which is very nutritious.
Hope this helps!