The mineral buffet… What is it?
A mineral buffet is an essential part of keeping goats healthy and thriving. It involves offering a variety of loose minerals, free-choice, so goats can consume what they need based on their individual requirements. Goats require a range of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, copper, and selenium to support proper growth, bone health, reproduction, and overall immune function. By allowing them to self-regulate, the mineral buffet ensures they get the right nutrients in the right amounts, helping to prevent deficiencies and imbalances that could lead to health issues.
When you order a starter kit, you will receive 19 minerals, the 20th is plain salt, which you pickup from the coop.
There are many different options on how to set it up. Ill share mine but you can always google images for more ideas.
There are several people that sell them, but I highly recommend Leigh Brandon, she is great to work with and has the cheapest starter kit that you can find.
I got my bins from Harbor Freight https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/parts-storage/parts-bins-racks/20-piece-poly-bins-and-rails-41949.html
We then used stainless steel screws in the bottom to attach to the board because other screws will get rusted out.
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When it comes to the mineral buffet approach for goats, reviews from farmers and goat owners tend to be overwhelmingly positive. Here’s a breakdown of common feedback:
1. Improved Health and Vitality
Many goat keepers report noticeable improvements in their goats’ health after introducing a mineral buffet. Goats appear to self-regulate their mineral intake, which leads to stronger bones, shinier coats, and overall vitality. Some have even observed fewer health issues like reproductive problems, joint weaknesses, and deficiencies like copper or selenium.
2. Greater Control Over Deficiencies
Owners appreciate the way a mineral buffet allows goats to address their individual deficiencies. Since goats have different mineral needs depending on factors like age, breed, and stage of life (e.g., lactating does vs. kids), offering a range of minerals lets each goat consume what it specifically requires. This flexibility helps prevent both over-supplementation and under-supplementation.
3. Convenience and Accessibility
Goat owners find the buffet setup convenient. Rather than mixing minerals into feed or worrying about daily dosages, they simply keep mineral stations filled. This hands-off approach is especially helpful for those managing larger herds, as it requires less direct intervention.
4. Preventing Toxicity and Overuse
Some reviews note that offering a variety of loose minerals minimizes the risk of toxicity that can occur when goats consume too much of one mineral. With access to separate options, they don’t overconsume minerals like copper or selenium, which can be harmful in excess.
5. Cost Considerations
While some owners find the initial setup cost of a mineral buffet a bit higher—due to purchasing multiple mineral types—the long-term benefits in healthier goats often outweigh the cost. Healthier goats tend to have fewer vet bills and better productivity, making the mineral buffet a cost-effective solution in the long run.
The mineral buffet method receives positive reviews for promoting natural mineral intake, improving goat health, and being easy to maintain. Owners appreciate the self-regulation aspect, and many report healthier, happier goats as a result.
NOTE: SOME WILL SAY THAT THE GOATS CAN’T CHOOSE ON THIER OWN. I PERSONALLY HAVE BEEN VERY PLEASED WITH MY HERD RESULTS.
There have not been enough studies done to know 100% sure that it works effectively.
I am working with a couple of producers; we have been taking blood samples and sending off for a mineral panel. I will try to keep you updated on the results.
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