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Vitamin and Mineral
Supplements
by Kay Orlando, DVM
[Webmaster's note: As
stated in this article, it is VERY IMPORTANT to
check with your local veterinarian about the vitamin and
mineral contents of the feed in YOUR regional
area and what supplements, if any, you may need for your
goats.]
Supplementation can be a
very confusing issue for many breeders. It becomes more
perplexing when other breeders say they have great success with
certain products. Pressure to produce well-developed kids for
the show ring lures breeders to seek supplements that will make
their goats develop faster and better. Herd management
differences, natural forage availability and specific
geographic deficiencies and excesses make it impossible to make
any blanket statements regarding the “right” supplement for
Pygmy goats.
Pygmy goats on a good
level of nutrition (good quality grass/alfalfa mix hay and a
small amount of molasses-free grain) need only trace mineral
salt, plus any specific nutrients that are missing in the
particular geographic area. For instance, my area is deficient
in selenium. The only addition to my goats’ diet is free-choice
trace mineral salt and a selenium supplement.
Many supplements designed
for cattle or horses may actually be detrimental to goats.
Goats (especially kids) have a much lower tolerance for copper
in the diet than either horses or cattle. Copper is commonly
added to cattle and horse supplements in excess of what goats
need, and this can lead to copper toxicity.
Fat soluble vitamins A, D
and E are stored in the body when the requirements are exceeded.
When they are fed in excess for a period of time, animals will
show signs of toxicity. If you feed a supplement, make sure
[to . . .] read the label for the correct amount that should
be fed. Many times a little is good, but more can be toxic.
All breeders want to make
sure that their kids remain healthy and reach their eventual
potential. Supplements are usually unnecessary. Kids that nurse
for at least 10 to 12 weeks, are kept parasite free and
maintained on a good diet will not need additional calories
(fat) or vitamins to remain healthy and develop properly.
Pushing kids with over-supplementation may lead to undesired
effects when they get older.
Excerpts from:
Kinne, Maxine, ed.
Pygmy Goats: Best of Memo
3
(1988-1996)
National Pygmy Goat Association: pp 13
This document is for
informational purposes only and is in no way intended to be a
substitute for medical consultation with a qualified veterinary
professional. The information provided through this document is
not meant to be used in the diagnosis or treatment of a health
problem or disease, nor should it be construed as such.
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