[Jacob-list] mineral mixes

[Neal Grose]

I’ll second that. Most cows and sheep prefer to eat fertilizer, which is deadly. Some of the more minor nutrients are bitter to taste. When possible, it is better to have a blended mineral with salt controlling the intake, or have the mineral blended in the feed.
Neal

From: Linda 
Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2011 8:20 PM
To: Shari Staines 
Cc: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
Subject: [Jacob-list] mineral mixes

I'm uncertain about the concept that sheep will choose what they need in artificial environments (which is what we all have). Like people, they are attracted to sweet or salty. 
Animals eat to fulfill their energy requirements.
Linda
. 

On 9/16/2011 1:51 PM, Shari Staines wrote: 
  I use Southern States Sheep Mineral Free Choice which my sheep consume really well.  I have added free choice Organic Icelandic Sea Kelp (this is fed separate from the others) as well as plain white mixing salt that is combined with the selenium/Vit E pre-mix from Pipestone Vet (also, a separate choice for them.)  In addition, I have been placing food grade DE out for them to help rid any parasites.  They seem to be very pleased with all of their choices!  All in all, I am doing it this way (with seperate choices) so that they can CHOOSE what they need.  I was informed that the selenium mixed with the white salt is the best way to feed it.  If it is mixed with the other loose minerals and they DO NOT need the other minerals, they will not necessarily consume enough selenium.  Now, keep in mind that I had an issue last season with selenium deficiency.  I will also be giving my pregnant ewes Bo-Se annually as an extra precaution.  


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