>f I need to test for mineral levels which test should I be doing and
>where are these labs that do the testing??
We do the following tests:
We work with a sheep nutritionist to develop a custom mineral program
for our sheep based on actual forage testing and the actual sheep
consumption of minerals.
All hay, each batch, is tested at the lab he uses. A batch is hay
from a single field with consistent soil type and from a single
cutting. There are some fields we buy hay from where one end of the
field is significantly different in mineral balance compared to the
other end. In those cases we test the sections separately. And in our
area each mesa can be vastly different, ranging from low Se to deadly
toxic levels and so on.
We also test the green forage in the pasture at least once a year,
and ideally we'd do it several times. When we try a new forage (like
our turnips and oats last year) that got tested separately too.
The production level of our sheep is provided to him and we get a
custom mineral mix for what the sheep are actually eating at that
time based on where they are in the production cycle and the level of
production we expect. We fine tune the recipe based on what the
sheep actually eat. My sheep don't seem to need the "average" amount
of salt, so we lower the salt content and add dried molasses to get
them to eat the proper amount of their minerals.
To verify that we are doing ok I test liver samples from butcher
sheep that are at least 2 years old and ideally from my oldest mutton
meat animals, 4-6 years, to test for all mineral levels.
Our vet has worked with us and the 3 way conversation is important to
getting it all right. He had us add more zinc to the mineral for
improved immune system function and overall we have seen better
health in the flock following this program.
We do not ever feed any grains so we are more focused on the quality
of the forage than places that can compensate by adding grains or
hays from way outside the area.
--
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
