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Posted by GoatWorld on October 26, 2001 at 17:55:46:
In Reply to: Purina Goat Chow posted by Tom on October 26, 2001 at 05:39:14:
Hi Tom,
On the Purina Goat Chow. We do use it from time to time. Technically, Purina is a sponsor of GoatWorld (go to http://www.goatnutrition.com for their web page and you'll also see a GoatWorld link on their site.
Yes, it is quite a bit more expensive than other "specifically formulated" goat feeds but there are certain things to keep in mind with this. For the most part, many of the people that religously use Purina Goat Chow are raising herds that produce primarily their sole source of income. And not too far behind this are the goat folk who have an "in" with Purina or the Purina distributor. That $8.00 bag of goat chow suddenly can be had for 30-50% less than what a "one-time" buyer can get it for. That makes it a more reasonable purchase for the producer who is content with feeding the $4.00 non-Purina brand.
I think highly of Purina for more than just their goat feed however. They have always been quick to answer any nutrition questions I have had and last year, even invited us to attend an open house at their St. Louis farm - all expenses paid.
But, when it comes to goat nutrition, many will be content to mix their own feeds and there is certainly nothing wrong with this as long as one has something to go by. Oddly enough, people will often compare their "mix" to specific mixes like Purina. I'm not saying that the Purina feed is "the answer" but it has alot of research behind it that makes sense.
Since goats are relatively new to the US (at last count, of all the goats in the world, only 6-7% of them are here in the US), more and more goat nutrition information is being discovered all the time. Nutrition is a vital part of health. Feeding a well-balanced diet is crucial. What you are feeding your goats sounds like a very good start as well - there is nothing written that says you must feed Purina Goat Chow (or any other goat chow for that matter). But I would carefully study the ingredients and percentages of each foodstuff you feed and compare it with SEVERAL goat chows that are currently available. You'll see that some are identical while others vary - this most probably due to the soil and mineral deficiencies throughout the world. Only through careful observation of your goats health will you be able to tell what is the right "mix"for your goats.
Best regards,
Gary