When we first started raising goats we used the traditional White salt mineral block and the Red trace mineral block for our animals free choice, this is what we always gave our cattle. Since then we’ve learned that you care for goats a little differently than you do cattle. As with all ruminants, the key to keeping them healthy lies primarily in keeping their rumen healthy, however Goats are just a little trickier. The rumen is essentially a big fermentation tank that makes otherwise indigestible grasses and other plants digestible. Beyond that, the goat’s rumen is where B vitamins including B-1 (Thiamine) and B-12 are synthesized. Without sufficient B-1, goats can develop Polio (not to be confused with the polio that humans get, which is viral), and without sufficient B-12, goats will start to lose weight and suffer overall metabolic problems. The first scenario can kill a goat rapidly, and the second will do it over time. Properly feeding goats is the best way to promote good rumen health. Yet there are a few other tips and tricks you can and should consider. Give The Proper FeedLike I said above, the primary function of the rumen is to break down grasses and other plants. If your goats do not graze in a pasture, they will need to have a constant access to good quality hay. Even goats who do have access to pasture should get a supplement of quality hay, as the seasons change so will the quality and quantity of pasture grass. Many goat owners will supplement pasture grazing with grain, however always consider grain as just that—a supplement. Remember to much grain can change the pH balance of the rumen in turn affecting and even killing the good bacteria in the rumen which is the key to the Goats digestive function. Provide SupplementsWe always give all of our goats free access to a good quality loose mineral as well as baking soda. The mineral access helps to balance the nutrition of poor forage and allows you to feed less grain to make up for those imbalances. In addition to a quality multi loose mineral, we also put out Cobalt salt Blocks for our goats. The Cobalt helps a goat produce B-12 naturally. Cobalt can also help goats who may not be eating and keeping weight on. Cobalt deficiency can lead to a reduction in B-12 synthesis, and B-12 is one of the main vitamins that help keep goats eating and their rumen working. The whole rumen digestive system can end up in a downward spiral if the levels of any of the rumen generated vitamins plunge. The baking soda lets the goat self medicate when the rumen gets too acidic. It is basically the same way people use antacids to treat indigestion. The final supplement we keep on hand is a quality Probiotic (we use Doc Probiotic). Any compromise of the rumen health is a compromise of the complex bacteria that live in the rumen, and that are needed to fuel the fermentation process. Using a quality Probiotic during times of stress and after giving any medications, especially antibiotics can help restore some of the rumen good bacteria. Check On That RumenThe most obvious sign that a goats rumen is functioning properly, is chewing a cud. The cud is a mass of partially digested forage, regurgitated from the rumen for a final chew and some nutrient extraction before moving on to the next chamber of the stomach for further digestion. That process is universal. Healthy goats chew cud. But because they don’t chew it 24/7, you can also get an idea of rumen health just by listening. Press your ear up against it (the rumen is on the left side) and you should be able to hear noises resembling your own stomach when it is “growling.” You might want to invest in a cheap stethoscope for this to help drown out distracting noise in the environment. We always say that Goats are really hardy animals until they aren’t. Keeping them healthy and strong is mostly keeping their rumen working properly. Manage feed well and be observant. You and your goats will definitely appreciate it. Join us by signing up for our newsletter. Blessings,
Margarita & Stace
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AuthorI'm Margarita. A Christian, Wife, mother of three, & grandmother "Mimi" of three. I create blog post about our life on the farm. Archives
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The Goat Management Binder
$15.00
The Goat Management Binder This binder will help you keep your goats health records organized and more.  Remembering all the identifications and medical records for each goat is difficult so I quickly learned that I needed to write down our goat herd information. We created all the pages for our goat heard. This system works for us. I think our Goat Management Bind will help you with your recordkeeping. This eBook has 24 pages Print our the pages, fill in your goat information and place in a binder of your choice. When all of your goat information is kept in one place it saves time in case of an emergency. Homemaking / Home Management Binder
$15.00
Digital Homemaking / Home Management Binder I'm excited to share with you my Homemaking / Home Management Binder. This is a beautiful simple binder to write your Weekly task for you home. You can use every day over and over. You will get: Faith based / Proverbs 31 Women Weekly Cleaning Schedule Organizing your home Daily Chores Monthly Plan Meal Planner Grocery List Bill Tracker Savings Tracker Vacation Budget 20 pages 8.5"x11" letter size that matches any printer Unlimited prints (personal use) Instant download and get started PDF Printable Enjoy getting organized with our Homemaking / Home Management Binder ** THIS IS A DIGITAL PRODUCT. ** NO PHYSICAL PRODUCT WILL BE SHIPPED. Your files will be available to download once payment is confirmed. * You may print the files as many times as you like for your own personal use. * Sharing this product is not allowed. ** We do not accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations, but please contact me if you have any problems with your order. Instant Download Your files will be available to download once payment is confirmed. Farm/ Livestock Management Binder
$25.00
Farm / Livestock Management Binder In this binder you can log all your livestock needs and help you stay organized with all records. Such as: *Goats *Chickens *Horses *Medications *Purchases of Livestock *Sold Livestock Our Farm / Livestock Management Binder is 24 pages. Print our the pages, fill in your Livestock information and place in a binder of your choice. When all of your Livestock information is kept in one place it saves time in case of an emergency. Gardening In the South
$20.00
Gardening In the South E-Book Learn about Gardening in South Texas Zone 8 In our e-book we cover Fruit trees, Perennials & Pollinator, Garden checklist, What months to plant. Your files will be available to download once payment is confirmed. I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations. But please contact me if you have any problems with your order. Thank you for shopping with us! Margarita Common Goat Medications
$20.00
Common Goat Medications We give you goat medications that we use for our goats. Included: Common Goat Medications & Easy to Understand Dosages General Information on Injection Wormers Antibiotics Anti-Inflammatories & Hormones' Injectable Vitamins and Minerals Oral Treatments You will get: 13 pages - eBook Unlimited prints (personal use) Instant download and get started PDF Printable ** THIS IS A DIGITAL PRODUCT. ** NO PHYSICAL PRODUCT WILL BE SHIPPED. Your files will be available to download once payment is confirmed. * You may print the files as many times as you like for your own personal use. * Sharing this product is not allowed. ** We do not accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations, but please contact me if you have any problems with your order. Instant Download Your files will be available to download once payment is confirmed. Thank you for shopping with us. Crochet Cup Sleeve Cozy
$6.00
Pretty cup cozy for both hot and iced beverage cups. It will slide up over a standard size non handle travel cups or store-bought coffee cups. They are great at protecting hands from the heat and cold of the travel mug/cup. *100% cotton yarn. * Colors may vary due to stock so message me if you prefer something specific. *Machine washable and dryer safe on low heat. *All Cozy’s make a great gift for literally anyone! *If you don’t see one you love don’t hesitate to message me! I love creating new products. Thank you for visiting our store. Handmade Goat Milk & Honey Soap
$7.00
Handmade Goat Milk & Honey Soap 4 oz. bar. Benefits from goat milk & honey - it's moisturizing, clarifying, and naturally antibacterial. Goat milk & Honey Soap has always been a favorite, it smells divine, and there are loads of skin benefits. Goat milk & Honey Soap hydrates and nourishes dry skin. It doesn't leave your skin feeling dry. Ingredients: Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauretha Sulfate, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Goat Milk, Honey Titanium Dioxide. Due to the handmade nature of our soaps and fragrance oil added, all bars vary in color. |
Handcrafted items made with love.
Farm / Homesteading eBooks Faith eBooks Notary Public Service Goats when available |
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Tailspin Farms
2273 FM 1681 Stockdale, Texas 78160 |
210-771-7205
Email - mcgoats@tspinfarms.com |