[Jacob-list] Copper DEFINCIENCY

[gotothewhip at aol.com]

 Thanks Cathy!



We have not had our feeds tested.? Our soil tests are irrelevant as we
drylot our sheep...and they do not go to pasture.? I am going to look
into the hay first. 



We are currently feeding a Feedlot Lamb ration from Greeley, CO
Elevator.? This is a ration they sell to the large lamb feedlots
locally.? Because we buy in bulk, I don't have a tag readily
available.. But doubt it is a source of problems as we only feed grain
just prior to lambing and while they are lactating. 



The Dam of this lamb is a curiously easy keeper.? She remains obese
with the other lamb on her, and limited rations.... She carries POCKETS
of fat behind her shoulders.? 



We have free access to the vitalix Sheep Mineral Tubs, and also have
the Purina Sheep Mineral Blocks out.? We offer some free choice loose
minerals when the weather cooperates, but are limited in that aspect as
none of the outdoor mineral feeders seem to accommodate horns! 



We have not heard back from the vet as to the game plan as of yet.,



Jennifer Tucker

Moose Mtn Ranch \\Bennett, CO
 

-----Original Message-----
From: ARTHUR PARTRIDGE <aztreaz at earthlink.net>
To: jacob-list <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>
Cc: gotothewhip at aol.com
Sent: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 2:47 pm
Subject: Re: Copper DEFINCIENCY 











>On the copper DEFICIENCY (not toxicity) any input?

> 

>Jennifer Tucker

>Moose Mtn Ranch

>Bennett, CO

=========
All I know is that Colorado is so mineral rich that some shepherds who live
there put their sheep on special diets.  You would need to have your soils
tested for nutrient levels; especially high levels of minerals that tie up
the uptake of other minerals like copper, iron, etc.  A lady who lives near
Paonia, CO had the striped fleeces (copper deficiency?) among other
problems and now has a special diet for her sheep, set up by a sheep
nutritionist, Bill Keogh of BK Nutrition Services, http://www.bksheep.com. 
You might consult him, several people on Sheep-list use him.  However, if
this lamb is an isolated case, then maybe you are not living in a problem
area.  The lady near Paonia had mineral problems with the entire herd.  I
can give you her name and email address, if you want to contact her.  She
would be very helpful.  Hope this helps.

Actually, it is recommended that all sheep owners have their soils and feed
tested, etc.  I never did it though, never had a problem.  I suppose if I
had a large commercial operation with much invested I would spend the time
and money to get things analyzed properly. 

Cathy
Moscow, Idaho





 

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