Author: Stasia Wussow
Date: 11-07-06 16:53
I'm looking to formulate a "base" grain ration for my (pet) sheep and goats and I would appreciate any help anyone can offer.
I plan to top-dress the base ration with calf manna and goat minerals for the goats ONLY, to prevent copper poisoning of the sheep (everyone has access to a salt block, free choice kelp, and free choice non-copper sheep mineral at all times).
One goat is a wether, and I'm concerned with preventing urinary calculi. It is my understanding that he can have grain as long as it is balanced by a legume hay to keep the calcium/phosphorous ratio correct (2:1) [from "Diet For Wethers" by Carolyn Eddy] and that I should add salt and/or ammonium choloride to his ration (though I don't know the correct amount - help?).
So I'm trying to come up with a simple "treat" ration consisting of, perhaps, cracked corn, rolled or crimped oats, rolled or crimped barley, kelp (rather than leaving it out free-choice to be soiled) and perhaps salt, in a quantity that would be healthy, not too high in protein, and not dangerous to anyone.
I'm thinking of including shell-on black oil sunflower seeds, but I don't know if they are safe for sheep to eat...
Is there anything else I could or should include? Cracked soybeans?
I am having great difficulty in determining what percentages of ingredients to have our organic grain mixer include. ANY help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I don't want to overfeed anyone but I want them to continue to allow me to handle them on a daily basis, or come when called, and a bit of grain is a very helpful reward.
Thanks,
Stasia in WI
Mom to 3 Jacobs, 3 Shetlands, and 3 sweet goats.
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