How to Use Glucosamine Supplements in Goats

Glucosamine is a sugar produced in the body that strengthens cartilage, ligaments, discs, mucous membranes and tendons. Use glucosamine supplements to help rebuild and boost the cartilage in joints after your goat has had an injury or for preventive purposes if your goat has osteoarthritis. Glucosamine supplements for goats and other animals usually come in powders and liquids, with many options for feeding the supplement to your goat.

Things You'll Need

  • Glucosamine supplement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consider using a glucosamine supplement for your goat if it has pain, swelling or stiffness related to osteoarthritis. Glucosamine can increase your goat's mobility and range of motion in addition to relieving pain. The supplement can also prevent further joint damage from osteoarthritis by strengthening the cartilage around the knees, hips, spine and hooves.

    • 2

      Give your goat glucosamine supplements if it is older. Glucosamine helps the goat's body in the aging process by slowing the wearing down of cartilage.

    • 3

      Feed your goat glucosamine supplements if it has back pain or recent sprains. The supplement will strengthen the tissues surrounding the spinal disks and help to speed up healing of joint and muscle injuries.

    • 4

      Give your goat an initial double serving of glucosamine for the first four to eight weeks. For an adult, full-size goat, this is 3,000 mg per day.

    • 5

      Reduce the glucosamine serving after the first four to eight weeks to 1,500 mg per day. This is the typical "maintenance" serving for an adult goat.