>I am thinking of trying a higher Cu mineral mix (different mixes for
>the beef and the sheep). I can have liver samples analysed when
>lambs, and steers, go to market in 6 months or so. But I am
>nervous.
You should be.
Instead focus on the forage testing and include Molybdenum. For
example I know one sheep flock in another state that lost sheep with
"normal" Cu because the Mo was so low. OTOH we feed very high Cu but
we have excessive Mo and need to. There are breed differences in how
sheep breeds handle Cu. Look to where the breed originated to get
some idea but follow up with test of slaughter sheep. Testing lamb
livers is not as good as testing adult sheep. Since most of the meat
I sell is older mutton I have a built in good test of my sheep
mineral program.
--
Eugenie (Oogie) McGuire - oogiem@desertweyr.com
Weyr Associates - Consulting Services
Desert Weyr - CMK Arabian Horses, Black Welsh Mountain Sheep and Pilgrim Geese
http://www.desertweyr.com/
Paonia, CO USA
