I run a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Michigan. We have a small herd of four goats that are much-loved residents here. In fact, they believe they are dogs. After learning about soooo many things related to goat care, I researched the Mineral Buffet and decided that I wanted to make this happen for our goats so they can regulate their own intake. I was having a hard time understanding how a mixed mineral could truly get them everything they need in the correct quantities with so many variables. We have sandy soils lacking iodine, I've heard that selenium is low here, and I'm always worried about phosphorous/calcium levels related to urinary stones. I also read all of the comments and articles suggesting that this method doesn't work, so I figured the best way to test it is to let the goats decide. We received a generous donation to order our starter kit and I set up our spread in the goat barn. I am an instant believer and I couldn't love this more. Initially, one of my goats got after a couple minerals, one scarfed down a single mineral, one sniffed and didn't taste, and one sampled almost all of them. In the few weeks that we have had the buffet, they have cleared out the Vitamin B/C mix, the Vitamin ADE mix, and Boron. Who knew? Thankfully they are not eating all of them and have really gone after the mixes that they seem to need. If the arguments against this method were valid, I don't think my goats would be picking and choosing like they are. They barely touch the plain salt and sodium, so I imagine the theory that they just want the salt is not a valid claim either. We will need a bit more time to confirm, but I believe that two cases of lingering skin issues that we've struggled with are healing up. I want to wait longer for things to balance out and seasons to change so I can see how this works for us long term, but our initial reaction is LOVE LOVE LOVE! Thank you!
Have had the buffet set up for about 3 months. Goats seem to be using it well.
I got my starter kit. Then once our goats began eating just certain minerals, I ordered the 2lb bags to replenish just the minerals that seemed to be missing from their diet. Our goats are looking great and after the fall kidding season, the mom's bounced back alot quicker than usual. I've been told the buffet system is just a "gimmick", well, I am here to say, the goats select what they need. I'm interested to see which ones they consume during our winter.
Although it looks a little obscene, this toy cracks me up! It's smaller than the regular rubber chickens...about half size. My cocker spaniel likes it when I squeeze it but doesn't play with it.
My goats love the mineral buffer. The one tha5 is away naked has got her hair back so I’m going to breed her this year and prayers that she doesn’t go naked again.