Maximizing Profitability in Goat Farming: Harnessing the Power of Minerals- “Pachmola”

Milk, a source of natural minerals and vitamins formost households, is celebrated for its rich calcium content. This mineral is not only vital for our nutritional needs but also plays a pivotal role in the functional properties of milk itself. When it comes to lactating goats, maintaining adequate calcium levels is utmost importance as it directly impacts milk production. Lactating does are particularly susceptible to a condition known as hypocalcaemia or milk fever, especially during the early stages of lactation. This metabolic disorder results from a depletion of calcium in the bloodstream, as the mineral is redirected for milk production.

The repercussions of calcium deficiency are most evident in the skeletal system. Bones can become soft, weak, and even deformed, leading to lameness in goats. This condition is commonly referred known as Rickets or Osteomalacia. It is worth noting that vitamin D plays a significant role in calcium absorption and metabolism, and its deficiency can manifest similar symptoms.

The provision of additional calcium offers a multitude of benefits:

Preventing Deficiencies: Adequate calcium intake prevents not only rickets and osteomalacia but also other ailments such as anaemia, stunted growth, lameness, leg weakness, and the critical condition of parturient paresis or milk fever.

Enhancing Overall Health: Proper calcium levels contribute to improved overall health, vitality, and activity levels in goats.

Boosting Milk Production: Calcium supplementation is directly linked to increased milk production, both in terms of quantity and milk fat content.

Promoting Growth: Ensuring sufficient calcium intake is essential for the healthy growth of goats.

Much like calcium, a deficiency in phosphorus can have detrimental effects on goat health. Goats experiencing a phosphorus deficiency may exhibit slowed growth, malnourished appearancesand in some cases an abnormal appetite leading to a condition known as "Pica." Goats with Pica desire to eat or chew things that do not have any nutritional value e.g., licking clay, stones, cloths, polyethylene or other solid objects such as wood, rags, bones, walls etc.

While goats can maintain milk production on phosphorus-deficient diets for several weeks by utilizing phosphorus reserves in their bodies but prolonged phosphorus deficiency has been shown to cause a significant decline in milk production, up to 60%. It's important to note that phosphorus deficiency is more likely to occur in grazing goats than calcium deficiency.

To address these mineral deficiencies, it is crucial to provide a balanced diet that includes additional calcium and phosphorus. Unfortunately, for many pro-poor communities, the cost of mineral mixtures can be prohibitive.

To address this challenge, TGT Group of Organization has developed an innovative solution in the form of a mineral lick called "Pashu Chat/Pachmola". This product contains calcium, phosphorus, salts, and various other ingredients that naturally meet the optimal mineral requirements of goats, effectively preventing deficiencies. The key advantage of Pachmola is its affordability, making it accessible to communities with limited resources. Additionally, Pachmola offers benefits beyond mineral supplementation, including improved digestion, enhanced breeding efficiency, and a bolstered immune system.

In conclusion, maintaining proper calcium and phosphorus levels in goats is essential for their health, milk production, and overall well-being. The innovative solution of Pachmola by TGT addresses this challenge by providing a cost-effective and holistic approach to mineral supplementation, benefitting both the goats and the communities that rely on them.