Goats metabolize and store copper much differently from sheep. Severely copper-deficient goats are sometimes given copper boluses which attach to the inside of the body and slowly deliver copper at a predetermined rate. However, the copper level must be based upon several factors, including the copper available in any ration that is fed to the goats. Have your forage tested for copper levels before deciding on copper levels in your feed and minerals packages. It is possible to induce copper toxicity in goats.
Copper accumulates in the liver.
Using calf milk replacers has caused copper poisoning in kid goats. Up to 1200 ppm of copper may be fed to goats under specific situations. The goat producer must determine what conditions apply in his particular geographic area and based upon his feeding program. Check with a knowledgeable goat veterinarian for proper dietary levels of copper for your goat herd. Much more scientific research needs to be done in this very important area of caprine nutrition.