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Free Choice Mineral Buffet

Providing FCE© free choice minerals through a buffet-style feeder allows your livestock to select minerals based on their specific deficiencies. Unlike bagged minerals, this method prevents overconsumption of minerals they are not deficient in, promoting a balanced intake. By allowing your goats to thrive holistically, you ensure they acquire the essential nutrients needed to optimize their overall health. This approach not only supports their well-being but also enhances their productivity.

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The mineral buffet includes the following:

Calcium (Ca)

for skeletal development, osmoregulation, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, decreases permeability, reduces nerve irritability

Iodine (I)

controls thyroid (regulates metabolism)

Magnesium (Mg)

activates enzymatic systems - catalyzes starch digestion, essential for proper nerve & muscle formation

Phosphorus (P)

for bone formation & fat & carbohydrate metabolism

Potassium (K)

primarily bonded to protein; influences osmotic equilibrium & intracellular osmotic pressure, aids uptake of neutral amino acids 

Silicon (Si)

important constituent of connective tissue, skin, & arteries

Sodium (Na)

primary alkaline plasma electrolyte producing ~92% of fluid alkalinity

Sulfur (S)

for production of cystine, cysteine, methionine, & biotin; essential to co-feed with non-protein nitrogen for amino acid production

 

Vitamin C & B mix (CB)

9 B vitamins essential for carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, & fatty acid metabolism, electron transport, building & maintaining cell structure, and...

Vitamin C - for electron transport, formation & maintenance of collagen, enhances iron absorption (reduces ferric to more readily absorbed ferrous form), improves lysine & proline utilization

Vitamins A, D, & E mix (V4)

Vitamin A - aids vision (adaptation to low intensity light), growth (cellular stability in carbohydrate metabolism), participates in mucus-secreting cell growth & synthesis of proteins & mucopolysaccharides

Vitamin D - facilitates transfer of calcium ions & other divalent elements from mucosal to serosal side of intestinal tract, increases absorption & retention of phosphorus

Vitamin E - antioxidant, prevents pre-oxidation of lipids in cellular & subcellular membranes & unsaturated fatty acids

 

Alkaline Neutralizer (Cl)

aids in pH control

Acid Neutralizer (OH)

aids in pH control

 

Individual Trace Elements:

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Copper (Cu)

Cobalt (Co)

Boron (B)

Iron (Fe)

Manganese (Mn)

Molybdenum (Mo)

Selenium (Se)

Zinc (Zn)

Health Problems Linked to Deficiency & Excess

  • Estrus irregularities

  • Suppression of ovulation and failure of implantation

  • General reproductive failure

  • Re-absorption

  • Retained placenta

  • Male sterility

  • Offspring born dead or weak

  • Calving/Kidding problems

  • Retarded growth rate

  • Poor appetite

  • Stiff or enlarged joints

  • Swelling in the brisket

  • Increased incidence of udder problems

  • Mastitis

  • Milk fever

  • Arched back

  • Reduced phosphorus absorption and retention

  • Muscular dystrophy or white muscle disease

  • Heart defects

  • Brain disorders

  • Chronic infections (various types)

  • Grass tetany

  • Lump jaw

  • Foot rot

  • Rough hair coat

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