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I’m often asked, how do you know boluses work? The answer is a lot of trial & error with many mineral programs & most importantly, ten years worth of mineral testing my flock. Mineral tests are a valuable diagnostic tool & they are within reach to most shepherds. Here I share my run down on two different methods. Whether it’s for my humans, or my flock, I’ve always focused on a holistic approach that prioritizes preventative measures before emergency intervention. In shepherd

A longtime shepherd, who lives an hour away from Firefly Hollow Farm in Northern Illinois, has been using Mayo Boluses for 15+ years. She was kind enough to recount her experience & share photos. One of the best ways to fine tune flock care is to connect with other shepherds in your region. Thank you Terri!

Zinc deficiency can result in impaired growth and wool abnormalities. A key symptom of zinc deficiency is the development of skin...

Selenium may be the most studied mineral deficiency because of how crucial it is for overall ovine health & because a large portion of...

Copper deficiency is often a result of sheep grazing ground, or consuming water, with high rates  of iron, molybdenum and sulphur. If two...

Symptoms of cobalt deficiency are often seen in late summer/early fall lambs. The symptoms can be so subtle that the disease was called...

The most common symptom of iodine deficiency is goiters. A severe lack of iodine causes a lack of essential thyroid hormone production...

Trace element deficiencies are not always the first culprits that shepherds suspect for poor performance, but they can be responsible for everything from poor growth, inadequate milk, to parasite problems. The connection  between parasite loss & trace element deficiencies are important for the shepherd to understand. As are the direct correlation between lambing problems & lossses. Deficiencies in trace elements can also limit or restrict normal development and growth. Unders

As the focus shifts from high input, housed flocks to more sustainable grass fed sheep, there is increasing need for efficiency in order...