Sheep and goats accept palm kernel meal well, but sheep need more care than cattle. The meal carries a fair amount of copper, and sheep store copper in the liver and are easily poisoned by it.
Typical shares
Fattening sheep usually get 15 to 20% of the ration dry matter, and goats, for milk or growth, 10 to 15%. The maximum safe share for both is about 30%.
Watch the copper
Above 30% in sheep rations, a zinc supplement is advised, about 100 mg per head per day, to lower the risk of copper poisoning. Do not feed mineral mixes that add more copper on top. Goats are less sensitive, but the same caution applies at the top of the range.
Benefits
In sheep the gains are a better feed conversion and a lower ration cost. In goats, a higher milk yield and better body fat are reported.
Confirm the share, and the zinc, with a nutritionist or vet who knows your flock.
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