7 Essential Minerals for Goat Health

It’s no secret that goats have a reputation for nibbling on anything in reach, from a hat to some garbage! However, they can be quite picky about what they actually consume, and for good reason. Goats get the minerals they need from forage, feed and sometimes even the water supply.

However, mineral deficiencies in goats are on the rise because forage and feeds may lack the correct quantity and spectrum of minerals required for optimum health. One way to counteract deficiencies in your herd is through free-choice supplement of loose minerals and salts, such as mineral mixes or a rock on a rope product.

Here are the seven minerals essential for goat health and why your goat needs each mineral:

• Iron
  Iron is a major component in hemoglobin, and carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells
• Copper
  Copper is essential for the formation of red blood cells, connective tissues and enzymes, as well as hair pigmentation, immune and nerve functions
• Cobalt
  This mineral synthesizes vitamin B12 for weight regulation, and is responsible for appetite, energy and weight gain
• Manganese
  Manganese is a major aspect of bone formation, reproduction and enzyme function in goats
• Zinc
  Zinc is one of the minerals responsible for immune response, skin growth, enzyme systems, protein synthesis and reproductive functions in males
• Iodine
  This mineral plays a major role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones to regulate metabolism and reproductive functions
• Selenium
  Selenium is an antioxidant and aids in muscles function, reproduction, and metabolism of vitamin E and other minerals

There is a wide range of minerals needed to ensure optimum health for goats. If you are searching for products to help maximize the health of your herd, stop by the Country Store to shop our wide selection of goat-related products.