confused and need help ...

[motdaugrnds]

I know I've read in these forums about treating anemia in goats. I cannot find that thread. I also know I've read that "copper" sulfate can be used in water to treat internal parasites in chickens and that it was not harmful to goats should they drink the water.

Now I find in my notes that "cobalt" sulfate was for the treatment of anemia in goats.

I've googled both and find no comparison!

Am I correct in thinking the "copper" sulfate should NEVER be where a goat can reach it and it is the "cobalt" that is used as a DRENCH for goat anemia?

[Cyngbaeld]

Copper sulfate is safe for goats. Cobalt is needed, but only in tiny amounts. The copper helps with anemia mainly by controlling parasites, though it is also needed for blood cell formation.

If a goat is anemic, you mainly need to ascertain the cause and treat that.

[Alice In TX/MO]

The problem with copper sulfate being used is that you can't very easily determine dosage if it's in the water.

It *can* help counteract iron rich water, but again, dosage is problematical.

I wouldn't use it for worms. Use what has been proven and tested. Use copper boluses.

I've been through the personal experimental stage, and there's still a big container of copper sulfate on the shelf, almost full.

Do what works. Copper bolus by weight every six months or so.

Have a fecal test run for worms.

Have your goats tested for CAE and Johnes.

[wintrrwolf]

If they got there due to worm load and you have treated for that, and now need to treat for the anemia some have used red cell, my preference is vit B complex.

[motdaugrnds]

Thanks for responding.

My water is from a well and has very little iron in it...very healthy for man and beast so the Health Dept and Ag Dept tell me.

My entire herd was tested for CAE and Johnes last fall and were found to be negative.

No one has worms of any kind. I did worm all shortly after kidding with Cydectin then 10 days later with Ivermectin Plus. Also, my goats are not deficient in copper; and have not been since I stopped feeding them BOSS.

Maybe neither of these would meet my goats' needs. Seems I also have heard of using "Red Cell ??"...not even sure enough to google it but will try.

Maybe they are not even anemic. I have not had them tested for this. Maybe their light pink lids are fine. I never paid that much attention all these years until I started reading about their needing to be darker (somewhere in this forum). Maybe I'm worrying for nothing. Grrrrrrr That is typical of my personality!

Still, I'd like to have something on hand to strength their red blood cells. Any other suggestions? (I do appreciate all comments and take nothing personal.)

Editing after reading last poster's comment. I do have some B Complex I can use. Thanks. Any particular dosage for how long? It is my understand this would be excreted daily and a goat cannot be overdosed. Is this correct?

[Alice In TX/MO]

I'd give B Complex twice a week for a couple of weeks.

Red Cell is a horse supplement available at feed stores. I'll have to google dosage for goats.

Do you have the FAMACHA eye lid color chart?

This isn't the OFFICIAL chart, but it has photos of live animals for examples, too.
http://goat-link.com/content/view/110/107/#.U3eIV9JdWwE

[CAjerseychick]

Riding along on this thread- Just wondering - have a huge can of Brewers yeast leftover from the ducklings, could I sprinkle this on the feed for additional Vit B?

[Alice In TX/MO]

Yes, small amounts. SMALL amounts.

[CAjerseychick]

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

Yes, small amounts. SMALL amounts.

Ok thanx, I was just using the scoop included and adding it to their feed (just the last 2 days though)- its an equine dose can.... maybe I will lay off for now....

(goat vet is coming out in 10 days to recheck herd I can ask her specific dose per that can I got)....

[motdaugrnds]

Thanks Alice. How much should I give in the muscle each time?

CA will you let us know what your vet says about that? I have some yeast that I use for "cooking". Think this would work too?

[CAjerseychick]

Originally Posted by motdaugrnds

Thanks Alice. How much should I give in the muscle each time?

CA will you let us know what your vet says about that? I have some yeast that I use for "cooking". Think this would work too?

Ok I def will, vet visit is 10 days out - but yes its just Brewers yeast (seemed fairly harmless) but got a nice bag of Western goat minerals for them yesterday and they seem to like that)...

[Alice In TX/MO]

I don't do muscle shots for B Complex. Muscle shots make them jump too much for me to control the animal and complete the injection.

Here's an article about B vitamins with dosages.
http://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/ar...itamins06.html

dairygoatinfo.com says 3 to 5 cc.

[aart]

Originally Posted by motdaugrnds

Thanks Alice. How much should I give in the muscle each time?

CA will you let us know what your vet says about that? I have some yeast that I use for "cooking". Think this would work too?

Originally Posted by CAjerseychick

Ok I def will, vet visit is 10 days out - but yes its just Brewers yeast (seemed fairly harmless) but got a nice bag of Western goat minerals for them yesterday and they seem to like that)...

Cooking yeast...like dry activated yeast? I don't the dry activated yeast that you use for bread is the same as brewers yeast.

[CAjerseychick]

Originally Posted by aart

Cooking yeast...like dry activated yeast? I don't the dry activated yeast that you use for bread is the same as brewers yeast.

Yes aart I think you are correct, I dont think they are the same (what is Brewers yeast exactly?)....

[Pony]

Alice, that copper sulfate is very useful in the orchard. It's one of the components of Bordeaux Mixture, used to treat trees and plants for fungi and bacteria.

http://msucares.com/newsletters/pest...s/19990915.htm