Goat Blocks & Minerals

Minerals can be very important for goats in terms of growth, milk production, reproduction, and immune response.  In the south eastern United States soil types often create a deficiency in cobalt, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium and zinc.  Some complete feeds given in the proper portions can provide most of the vitamins and minerals needed, but in pasture or cutover and especially in hay feeding situations minerals can be lacking.  Most experts would recommend free choice mineral to allow the goats to regulate the amount of mineral needed.  Salt is often the limiter so in that case, mineral proximity to water sources can be used to control animal intake.  If the goats are consuming more than recommended move the mineral feeder farther from the closest water source until the animals approach the recommended feeding rate.