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Posted by GoatWorld on September 10, 2002 at 17:50:39:
In Reply to: Pea Greenfeed/Straw posted by Kari on September 09, 2002 at 23:50:22:
Hi Kari,
The problem with Peas is basically the same problem with feeding Soybean and any other legumes for that matter. After doing some research on a few alternative goat feeds, I discovered that legumes somehow deplete the iodine level in a goat. This can be compensated for by keeping an iodized salt lick available at all times.
But beyond that, it creates other mineral imbalances and can indeed create a "fat" goat. Kind of like eating nothing but ice cream and peanuts every day. The lower protein is okay in some respects, but the other imbalances need to be compensated for.
I found this out in some of my research on Kudzu - another legume. I kept thinking that I remembered the reason Kudzu was not such a great goat feed was because of an improper Calcium to Phosphorus ratio. Instead, it was the depletion of iodine.
The same basic principle applies with feeding Alfalfa - another legume. It can be fed and is often fed, but as the sole source of hay or in excess, you are looking at myriad of problems. You'll hear alot of people talk about a "mixed, grassy alfalfa" and this is why they mix it with other grasses.
My latest feeding frenzy involves using cotton seed hulls. I'll be writing more about this in the future. Hope this helps.
Best regards,
Gary
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