How to Give a Copper Bolus to Your Goats: A Complete Guide
Copper Boluses for Goats: What You Need to Know
The mineral copper is essential for goats’ health, from bone development to immune system support. If goats show signs of deficiency, a copper bolus is a great way to make sure they get enough copper. To ensure your goats’ well-being and promote optimal health, we’ll cover the proper way to give copper boluses to them.
Copper is good for goats
There are a lot of uses for copper in goats’ health, including:
- Health of your bones, teeth, and connective tissue: Copper strengthens your bones, teeth, and connective tissue.
- Supports the immune system, reducing infection risk.
- Supports metabolism: Copper helps iron, zinc, and manganese get used.
Copper deficiency can cause goats to have dull coats, hairless tails, and reproductive problems. The key to maintaining their health is to give them copper boluses.
Goats with copper deficiency
When goats have copper deficiency, they may show the following symptoms:
- Coats that are rough and dull
- Tail hair loss
- A pale mucous membrane (sign of anemia)
- Aborted pregnancies in does or multiple heat cycles
For proper diagnosis and treatment, consult a vet if your goat shows these symptoms.
Copper Bolus: What You Need
Here’s what you need to give your goats a copper bolus:
- Boluses of copper should be dosed according to the goat’s weight and age. The best brands contain copper oxide rods in gelatin capsules, like Santa Cruz.
- The Bolus Gun or Balling Gun is used to inject capsules deep into goats’ throats.
- Fig Newtons, marshmallows, or banana pieces to conceal the bolus.
Here’s how to give your goats a copper bolus
Copper boluses can be given to goats multiple ways. The methods below are based on the goat’s temperament.
Here’s how: Give the Copper Bolus as a treat
It’s easy and stress-free to train goats with treats.
- Step 1, choose a sticky treat that can completely conceal the bolus, like a Fig Newton, marshmallow, or banana slice.
- Step 2, insert the copper bolus inside the treat.
- Step 3: Give your goat the treat and make sure they swallow it.
You might need a balling gun for picky goats, but this works for goats who love treats.
2. Using a balling gun to administer Copper Bolus
A balling gun is great for goats who won’t take treats.
- Step 1: Put a little peanut butter in the gun to keep the bolus in place.
- Step 2: Place the balling gun toward the back of the goat’s throat and gently insert it.
- Step 3: Then remove the gun by pressing the plunger.
- Step 4: Rub the goat’s throat to encourage swallowing, keeping its head up and mouth closed.
Use the balling gun with an extra person to restrain the goat for safety.
3. Hand-administration of Bolus
The bolus can be given manually if you don’t have a balling gun.
- Step 1: Place the bolus on the side of the goat’s cheek.
- Step 2: Use your pointer finger to gently push the bolus down the goat’s throat.
- Step 3: Keep the goat’s head raised, close its mouth, and rub its throat until the capsule is swallowed.
Even though goats don’t have sharp front teeth, their back molars can still cause injuries. Don’t rush.
Dosage of copper for goats
Depending on the goat’s age and weight, copper bolus dosage is determined:
- One 2-gram copper bolus should be given to young goats (5 weeks to 3 months, 25-50 lbs).
- A 4-gram copper bolus should be given to adult goats (over 3 months, over 50 lbs).
Copper Boluses: Benefits
You can give copper boluses to your goats without worrying about toxicity. Here are some of the benefits:
- Copper boluses help restore the health and shine of a goat’s coat.
- Increased resistance to diseases and infections: Copper boosts your immune system.
- Breeding does with proper copper levels won’t have multiple heat cycles or fetal resorption issues.
Copper Boluses: How They Work
Copper is released gradually by the copper bolus in the goat’s digestive system, keeping copper levels high for 6-12 months.
What are the risks of copper boluses for pregnant or lactating goats?
There’s no withdrawal period for milk or meat with copper boluses, which are safe for lactating and pregnant does. Make sure to talk to your vet about your goat’s specific health needs.
Copper Boluses for Healthy Goats
Copper boluses are essential for goat health, immunity, and growth. You can easily give copper boluses to your herd if you have the right method, tools, and dosage. Be sure to ask your vet before introducing supplements to your goats, and keep track of when each goat gets its bolus.
Maintaining your goats’ health and nutrition will ensure they’re productive and happy for a long time.
