Have you noticed that your goats don't slick off as quickly, or that your having problems
with illness?
Do you kids not grow quite as well as you like?
Are you having a problem with worms or your wormers
don't seem to be working quite as effectively?
Have you noticed that hooves seem to be growing differently?
Are you having silent or irregular heat cycles?
Then you may have a copper defeciency in your goats.
Copper is one mineral which is found in many body
systems and is essential to many body processes. It
is
found in hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the
blood. Copper is found in eastin, a protein that
keeps skin, muscles, lungs and blood vessels elastic.
It is necessary for the utilization of iron and is
also necessary for nerves to function properly.
It is critical in the formation of bones,
neurotransmitters and in regulating many body
functions. Copper is an antioxidant. It plays a
major role in reproductive proceses and helps to keep
the immune system healthy.
Growing kids that are low in copper do not gain weight
like they should, may have a poor appetite and are
more highly parasitized.
So how do I know I have a copper deficiency? Most
areas of the country are low in copper. Goats do not
readily absorb copper from mineral mixes or feed so
they may be low in copper even though you are
supplementing with a mineral that is high in copper.
Here are symptoms to look for:
unthrifty
rough un-shiny hair (don't shed)
anemia
poor milk production
sometimes diarrhea
loss of color
bald tail tip
retained placenta
difficulty in conceiving (silent or short heat cycles, abortions)
short cycling
hair loss
slight hoof deformities (unusual hoof growth)
bent legs in yearlings
mastitis
spontaneous bone fractures
lighter color around eyes
frequent bouts with pinkeye, pneumonia, etc.
stap infections on udder or nose
heavily parasitized
Copper is a major player in keeping worms at bay. Low
copper increases worm load and increased worm load
reduces copper availability.
Best way to supplement with copper has been found to
be with copper boluses. These can be purchased from
Valley Vet Supply, Jeffers, etc. They must be broken
down in small doses which are put into gel caps. You
will have to do this.
