I believe there is good amounts of zinc in both sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Do you all just feed sunflower seeds because a) cheaper, b) easier to find or c) has MORE zinc than pumpkin seeds.
I've been looking for a chart - I think someone on this list once had a great chart that listed nutrients in different grains and seeds.
Is it unwise to feed BOTH pumpkin and sunflower or what?
I like to include this for zinc basics this time of year just to ensure they are getting enough zinc in the diet - especially as I do feed a little chaffhaye and do Copper Bolus - both of which I worry affects zinc uptake.
Judy
Replies
I hadn't even thought about pumpkin seeds. We already buy sunflower seeds for the does for increasing butterfat, so it just makes sense to keep using them. Pumpkin seeds are also reported to have some anthelmintic properties, so if it's high in zinc, it could also do double-duty. I have tried to give my goats pumpkin seeds because of the anti-parasite properties, but they wouldn't eat them. My goats seem to be pickier than most though.
Why are you worried about Chaffhaye and copper affecting zinc?