Starting a couple of new foods today...question

[Goatherd]

I bought some kelp meal and flax seed. (It pays to ask your feed man if he can get it for you)

Like anything new, this will be introduced in moderation to prevent intestinal upset.

The kelp meal is not an issue, but I have a question about the flax seed. I already use flax for my exotic birds but grind it into a meal and mix it into their soft foods. The grinding is to make the seed more digestible and nutritionally beneficial. I also grind it for myself when eating it.

For those that might feed flax to their goats, do you grind it into a meal or serve it whole? With their extensive digestive system are they able to process the seed without passing it whole? Not a problem to do it, but if I can save some time that would be great.

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

I grow flax...and my goats just eat the whole plant. So I dont think they will care much if its gound or not.

 

[Goatherd]

Thanks Emmetts. I wasn't concerned about them liking it. Everything I know and read about flax is that if the seed isn't broken down or well digested, a lot, if not all, the nutrition is not utilized.
How great that you grow it since it isn't cheap by any means.

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

Its very good for them...and remember they have four stomachs to break that stuff down in!!! Its rich in vitamin C, B, B12 and A. Good stuff for them.

 

[Goatherd]

OK, I'll give it to them whole and then I'll check the poop! Won't be the first feces I've handled and inspected!

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

OK, I'll give it to them whole and then I'll check the poop! Won't be the first feces I've handled and inspected!

And certainly not your last!!!! Good luck!

 

[Squirrelgirl88]

OK, I'll give it to them whole and then I'll check the poop! Won't be the first feces I've handled and inspected!

- never, I repeat, never read a thread under Feeding time while eating your lunch in front of the computer.

 

[Goatherd]

Did I mention without the benefit of latex gloves?