Propylene Glycol

[April]

I had an idea to use some propylene glycol in the water tanks and bowls to help keep the water from freezing. I'd have to do some experiments to see how much I'd need to add in order to see any benefit, and I worry that the amount I'd need to use to prevent water freezing would be too much for the goats/chickens/cow.

I know it's "GRAS" by the FDA, but so are many other things I'd never feed to my animals.

I also like the idea of it adding extra calories to help them stay warm through the worst of the winter.

Any thoughts on that?

Thanks!

[susanne]

that might not give you the result you are after.
goats are getting warmth from good hay. they don't need extra calories from propylene glycol.
i doubt this will prevent the water from freezing. the goats do much better if they get fresh water twice a day. they will learn very quick when that time is best to drink the amount they need when you come out.

[Goat Servant]

I would save your propylene glycol if needed on an individual basis. And yes, they will come to drink when you come out. One of my girls always comes for the ultra fresh water.
I have heard that ACV helps the water to not freeze as quickly but I havent seen much of a difference.
Like Suzanne says, Plenty of hay is what they need.

[AnnaS]

the theory is good, but the weird physiology of the ruminant goat throws it all awry.

Susanne has some excellent advice re: hay and warm goats. Goats have a completely different digestive system and will heat themselves much better with hay. for humans, sugar and carbs heat us up, but for goats, it's all about fiber.

My consulting vet- a highly regarded dairy goat research vet & breeder- told me that feeding PG to a non-ketonic doe will make her feel ill and stop eating. PG is used to keep rumen flora alive, not add calories directly into the goat. He recommended using PG only in does that had refused food for 24 hours or had a positive ketosis test. So I would look for other ways to keep the water from freezing.

Here in MN, I use a floating stock tank heater to keep the water open. Other ideas I've heard are a basketball floated on top of a water tank (preventing ice formation) and surrounding a five gallon bucket with old tires for insulation.

[hoofinitnorth]

Remember, if you add something to your water that lowers the freezing point, it does *not* warm the water. This means that your goat will be drinking *very* cold water and it could harm them. It is not unheard of to have people get frostbite in their throats when they drink alcohol that has been chilled to below 32F. They don't think about how cold it is because it's still liquid, until it hits their warm, soft tissues. Ouch.

[April]

Good things to know! This is why I love you guys.