Using Replamin Plus and stopping loose minerals

[creekmom]

I started using the Replamin Plus about 4 weeks ago and had just about run out of my Onyx minerals about the same time. I didn't buy anymore Onyx.

I have a group of Nigerian wethers and a couple of dry does in the same pen as my pregnant Nigerians. They all get free choice good quality grass hay along with their Replamin. The pregnant ones I also feed twice a day separately. I guess my question is for the wethers and dry does, do they need a separate protein source other than the grass hay.

I found a couple of mixes at Tractor Supply that are a 12% protein. One is a 12% horse pellet and the other is a 12% All Stock Feed Dry. Both of them have the proper calcium to phosporus ratio. Shoud I give a small amount to the wethers and dry does or just see how they do on the grass hay alone?

Was thinking about mixing my alfalfa pellets with one of the two mixes also for the pregnant girls.

One last question, if I'm not mistaken the Replamin Plus doesn't have any iodine in it. Should I be supplementing with some kelp to replace that?

[Lorelai]

I haven't started the Replamin Plus yet, but your question is one that I've been wondering as well. It seems there are as many variations of feeding methods out there as there are goat owners, so finding what works can be interesting. I was thinking of using this as a guide:

http://fiascofarm.com/goats/feeding.htm

If you scroll about halfway down, there is a good guideline for how they feed their goats. Now, they do loose minerals, so I was wondering if the Diamond V Yeast Culture they use would still be applicable for those of us using Replamin Plus? I still plan to leave my loose minerals out, because I have a lot of them and for the salt (maybe we could just get a salt block or something?). But from what I understand, the yeast is another supplemental source of protein, among other things. The black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) is used for that as well, so those are two possibilities for boosting protein slightly if you're worried about that. I would think that the vitamin E content of the BOSS would also help with selenium absorption if you're at all concerned about that (I live in a deficient area, so I am).

If you're interested in the yeast, they talk a bit more about it here:

http://fiascofarm.com/goats/minerals.htm#yeast

As for the iodine, I'm interested in what people have to say about that as well.

[CaliannG]

creekmom, I just make sure to give them iodized salt, since with our heat, I have to offer salt anyway.

[mjgh06]

Haven't used the Replamin yet. I am considering it although worried about the c: p ratio for wethers. But, for iodine -you can get an iodized salt block at TSC - It's one we use. We also use the 12% Allstock Sweet feed from TSC - 1.5cup for preggos, 1cup non-preg and 1/4cup for bucks/wethers 1xd. None for the kids until 2months old then feed only 4tbs until 6months then 1/4 cup til over a year old or preggo then to normal above. Of course all the free hay/browse they want.

[LoneStrChic23]

All grown boys here get grass hay and a bit of alfalfa (in the past it was pellets, now it's Chaffhaye). If they aren't growing, they don't get grain and this feeding provides the necessary calcium : phosphorus ratios. I rarely keep wethers unless they are for the freezer, but this worked well for my bucks. Since my bucks were stinky, I didn't wanna be up close and personal with them, so I only gave them a Replamin booster....The rest of the time I left loose minerals with a bit of ammonium chloride mixed in.

Grain here is for working animals only.... So if you aren't growing babies, milking, or a growing baby yourself, you only get grass hay and alfalfa in some form