Possible issue with minerals

[trnubian]

Ok, so my plan was to use the replamin plus 5cc's once a week. I was leaving salt out free choice.

I finally got the time to compare my replamin tube to the Right Now Onyx minerals. It has basicly the same vitamins and minerals, except for 3 things (that I have noticed.) There may be more.
The first 2 things, and these are my main concern, there is no calcium or phosphorus. Thirdly, there is no source of iodine.

Now I know they can get their calcium from their afalfa and phosphorus from their grain ration. However, I feel that since they are in a free choice mineral, that should be available to them other than from their food. Is that wrong to think that way? Maybe this is why some of the goats seem to be gulping their mineral lately since we started using replamin? I am not for sure but that was my thought process.

I am going to definately continue using the replamin plus. However, I am also going to make sure they also have a loose mineral containing calcium and phosphorus and iodine. I might look for a mineral slightly lower in copper, since the replamin seems to have plenty in it in a very available form.


Thoughts?

[Alice In TX/MO]

You are right, the calcium and phosphorous is available in their diet.

Kelp would provide iodine.

I would not leave out salt at all.

I'm using the Replamin hit and miss due to family situations right now, so I keep Onyx out also.

[trnubian]

The kelp is a good idea. I was thinking about getting some for the dogs as I feed raw and I think it would benefit them. Where do you get kelp? Could I top dress it on their feed instead of leaving it out?

[Alice In TX/MO]

My feed store has kelp.

I top dress the feed with it.

This guy sells kelp, too.
http://www.jollygerman.com/livestock/

[trnubian]

Ok thanks. I might try the kelp.

[dbarjacres]

kelp would provide a bit of salt too.

I'm suprised that many aren't leaving out plain salt or Redmond salt (I love that stuff and use it in the house too). What is the reason you don't think your goats should have access to any form of salt?

[trnubian]

I do leave out salt with the replamin. I think they need some salt, especially for making milk. Now if I was feeding loose minerals I would not be leaving salt out as I would want them to eat the minerals and they can get the salt in the minerals.

[dbarjacres]

correct, on leaving only mineral out so they eat that to get their salt, but I've seen many comments that people aren't going to leave out any salt while using the Replamin.

[Frosted Mini's]

I am using the Replamin with my bucks, and have an iodized salt block for them.