Our sheep get constant access to our Free Choice Mineral feeder, which contains every necessary mineral for their health, each in its own compartment. Through this, they maintain the perfect level of all the minerals in their bodies.
One of the minerals in the feeder is iodine; it is an extremely vital mineral necessary for regulating metabolism, growth, thyroid hormones, and development. Without it, animals are more at risk of being stunted and having reproductive problems.
Iodine plays a crucial role in our flock’s health. Interestingly enough, we provided iodine to our flock; however, we started seeing signs of iodine deficiencies in the flock, such as “goitres, a small lump under the throat caused by iodine deficiencies” on a few lambs. This was so puzzling because we were giving our sheep iodine.
After doing some research, we discovered the issue: the iodine we were providing was a synthetic iodine or potassium iodine. While this provides iodine in large quantities, it’s difficult for the body to absorb and maintain. It quickly provides iodine and then quickly recedes, leaving you deficient again.
The opposite is true for a natural source of iodine found in seaweed, according to studies done by Cambridge University. Seaweed provides iodine in a more fibrous form that the body can more easily absorb and retain. It isn’t as high in iodine as the synthetic option, but it provides a healthier amount that is maintained. Apposed to a spike and then a quick decline.
We began feeding our sheep on Kelp, which is a seaweed that is easy to get a hold of. Shortly after feeding, the flock began improving, and we stopped seeing goiters anymore. Now we always keep a good supply of kelp available to the flock to prevent problems.
For further research, look at this article by Doctor Seaweed
