Posted by GoatWorld on January 13, 2003 at 20:51:37:
In Reply to: Langston Formula posted by Leah on January 13, 2003 at 19:21:49:
Hi Leah,
Great question. This was a formula developed back in 1999 by Langston University and for the most part, applies to and was developed for the Boer goat industry (as a method of increasing yield).
Here's a link to the page where the information originates and here is the formula itself:
Ingredient Percentage (as fed)
Cottonseed hulls 29.07%
Alfalfa meal 19.98%
Cottonseed meal 15.99%
Ground corn 15.99%
Wheat midds 9.99%
Pellet Partner (binder) 5.00%
Ammonium chloride 1.00%
Yeast 1.00%
Calcium Carbonate 0.95%
Salt 0.50%
Trace mineral salt 0.50%
Vitamin A 0.02%
Rumensin 0.01%
TOTAL 100.00%
The crude protein content of the ration is 16% with 2.5% fat, 20.4% fiber and 60.6% TDN.Calcium phosphorus and sodium levels are .74%, .37% and 1.07%, respectively. Zinc concentration is 33.04 ppm, copper is 17.15 ppm and selenium is .21 ppm.
My personal observations (just in case anyone is interested) - I've heard some speculation on the use of this formula and there are definitely some very decided opinions, each right in there own way.
For starters, since this is a "quick gain" approach, it does apply to meat goats per se and not necessarily dairy or pet goats. For one thing, it is seen that the proteins are much, much higher than normal goat feed. One might consider this a health threat (much as a weightlifter using steroids) but the overall life span of a meat goat is much less than a pet goat right? Of course that leads to another discussion on the ethical treatment of animals - I won't go there tonight.
The cottonseed hulls are really the major addition to the feed (and in most proportion). These tend to slow down the digestion process if I understand it correctly, and create a situation where the food in the digestive tract is more efficiently utilized.
What is most interesting in this study is the use of a vaccination for caseous lymphadenitis (CL). I'd be interested in finding out if they used the vaccination that is used on sheep.
Best regards,
Gary