Supply Loose Minerals

Provide free-choice access to a loose mineral mix formulated specifically for goats. Place the mineral feeder in a covered, dry location and refill weekly. Never substitute sheep mineral mixes, which lack adequate copper.

Why It Works

Goats require higher copper levels (10-80 ppm) and adequate selenium, zinc, and phosphorus that most forages and hays cannot provide alone. Loose minerals allow goats to self-regulate intake based on their deficiencies. Mineral blocks are inadequate because goats have smooth tongues and cannot lick enough to meet their needs.

Tips

• Choose a mix with a 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for goats on grass hay
• Monitor consumption -- a sudden increase may indicate a dietary deficiency
• Keep minerals in a separate feeder away from rain and manure splash