Copper bolus for goats

[Theresa GwiazdaStudent]

I don’t think you can get copper from herbs, at least in the amount needed, but can anyone advise on the proper dosing and type of copper that should be used for goats? I have heard long-lasting, slow release is better. Does anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

[Rebekah CarmichaelStudent]

This lady has a helpful video. I’m still experimenting with copper boluses trying to figure out the right frequency for my area.

Goats and Copper Boluses–What YOU need to know! (youtube.com)

 

[PAMELA LAMONTStudent]

I have successfully used Pat Colby’s mix recommendation in her book “Natural Goat Care”

I now offer all ingredients from the mix as free choice . Copper sulphate, dolomite, seaweed meal, yellow sulfur.

I also provide bicarb soda. I have used this for about 6 years and have had good results, I did use copper bolus 1 year and lost 3 goats to what I believe was liver fluke (or bleeding from the bolus). They were on a new pasture, where cows had been after having access to the creek and was a very wet year. Didn’t provide copper in the mineral mix as usual that year as I didn’t want to overdose them. I have gone back to my usual mix and added home made herbal treat balls to help with anything that needs  attention like wet weather worm load increases or birth immune boosts.

Would love to hear others experience with bolus as well. Great to see more goat lovers in here🥰

[Rebekah CarmichaelStudent]

I’ve heard about Pat Colby. I tried a mineral buffet before it had twenty minerals in it from Little Avalon Farm. My goats still got copper deficient and it just got too expensive for me. How economical is the Pat Colby system? I’m really trying to figure out goats, how to raise them cheaply and holistically. If you have insights please share. I just finished my first year of rotational grazing, that helped keep down the worms.

[Author]

Posts