Q: Why do mineral consumption levels vary in different herds?
A: Consumption levels can vary widely depending on several factors, including the climate, available forage, soil depletion, the foodstuff brought in, and the animal's previous mineral status. Additionally, the stage of life of the animal—whether they are pregnant, lactating, dry, etc.—can also impact how much they consume. Since these factors are unique to every herd, it's not possible to predict exactly how much each herd will consume of the Mineral Buffet.
Q: How can I track mineral consumption in my own herd?
A: While consumption varies, Megan tracked her own herd’s mineral usage to get a better understanding. Initially, she estimated that her herd, which consumed about 20 pounds of loose mineral mix per goat per year, would consume about half that amount with the Mineral Buffet. As of February 2023, her estimate was fairly accurate, though it may have been slightly lower than actual consumption.
To see Megan's tracking data and get a better idea of how consumption might look for your herd, check out this link to the Mineral Buffet data. You'll find detailed insights and links to her tracking data.