[Luluchan]

I have noticed one of our goats Bo-Bo has gray streaks in fur. He has black fur but now turned rusty.
Is this a sign of copper and zinc deficiency? I have copper bolus but I haven’t given him for a while
because it is very hard to give him. He has a twin brother Luke. He seems doing okay. What are those gray streaks? I also have noticed Bo-Bo's back hair has been standing up. Thank you for reading this. Aloha form Hawaii.

 

[MellonFriend]

Looks like his undercoat is shedding. He definitely looks copper deficient to me. It could be zinc too.

 

[Luluchan]

Thank you. So, he might recover after getting more copper? How do you give copper bolus? Does someone else open goat's mouth and you shoot with a shooter? Do goats need to fast before getting it?

 

[MellonFriend]

You might be surprised at what color he turns after you give him a copper bolus. All that reddish brown hair will probably turn a lovely black.

You can give the copper bolus a few different ways. You can either use a bolus or pill gun, you could hide the bolus in a treat, or you can open up the gel capsule and hide the wire particles in something he likes to eat. Most of mine will take the copper mixed into some applesauce. You do not need to fast the goat before giving the copper.

 

[GoofyGoat]

Mine love their capsules opened and squished into fig newtons cookies. I also hide zinc tabs in them.

 

[Luluchan]

Thank you for your tips. I didn't know capsules can be opened. How often do you give to your goats?

 

[MellonFriend]

I usually give it to mine every three months, but I know that's the amount of time I need to go between doses to keep them from being deficient. You should wait at least three months and see if he is still showing improvement and then dose again if he needs it. If he is improving at that three month mark then maybe wait another month and reassess.

Just another question, do you have loose mineral out free choice for your goats?

 

[Luluchan]

Thank you very much. I am sorry for the delay. I needed to take my husband to a hospital. He had a surgery this morning. I gave all of our goats the copper bolus yesterday.

Yes. I have loose mineral out free choice and mineral blocks.I am just curious. What kind of loose mineral do you use?

 

[MellonFriend]

Thank you very much. I am sorry for the delay. I needed to take my husband to a hospital. He had a surgery this morning. I gave all of our goats the copper bolus yesterday.

Yes. I have loose mineral out free choice and mineral blocks.I am just curious. What kind of loose mineral do you use?

No problem on the delay. I thought I was the one that didn't get back to you very quickly. :lolgoat:

I use Sweetlix Meat Maker goat minerals and I also use a mix from a local farmers cooperative.

 

[JML Farms]

I use Purina all life stage goat mineral, but you may need something different depending on what minerals are lacking in your area.

 

[Luluchan]

Thank you very much for the useful information.