Posted by Micheal on April 14, 2001 at 20:19:15:
In Reply to: Vitamin b's posted by sandy on April 14, 2001 at 09:40:51:
Sandy, I doubt if I end up answering your question. But, maybe some of my babble will give you a little more understanding of the difference as I understand it.
Some circles consider B12 as part of the B-Complex family. However, most consider the following to be B-Complex vitamins: B1(Thiamin), B2(Riboflavin), B3(Niacin), B5(Pantothenic Acid), B6(Pyridoxine), and Folic Acid and maybe some others. B-12 is considered outside the B-Complex family, due to it's own complicated makeup. I could explain this in a little more detail, but I want unless you want more details. In summary, the B-Complex family can be comsumed by the goat through the natural process of them eating manufactured feeds and vegitation. If the goat is absorbed enough through this natural process, then it may not be neccessary to supplement with B-Complex. The B-Complex family helps the animal convert food into energy. On the other hand B-12 is much more complicated than the other B's. This is the only b-vitamin that cannot be found in vegitation. So unless you are buying a manufactured feed whereby B-12 has been added, then chances are, your animal is not getting a good supply of B-12. As a general rule your animal may not need a supplement of B-12. B-12 helps to produce proper red blood cells. This is important to it's metabolism and nervous system. B-12 is very useful in your animal if it is showing signs of anemia, loss of appetite and depression. When goats get to feeling bad, they can get very depressed and just give up. Infections can bring on this type of depression. B-12 can be used to help the goat to recover from the depression and begin to help you, help them. The B-Complex family can also be introduced to help boost there energy to a higher than normal level. The B-5 in the B-Complex family is used to help fight infections. Therefore, if the goat has a good supply of the B-Complex vitamins, then you may experience less infections. With less infections, you should experience less depression, this lowering your need for the B-12.
Sometimes goats can suffer depression when no infection is present. For example: You buy a goat from another farm and transport it to your farm, the goat may suffer some depression. When I buy goats from another farm or auction, I always will administer a B-12 shot when I get them to my place. As I said, I'm not sure if this will answer your basic question, but maybe it gives you a little more understanding as I understand it. I emphasize the words, "as I understand it", there are probably others on this site that could help both you and I to have a correct understanding of the difference. I reckon there's nothing any worse than having a bunch of depressed goats. Can you see having someone come over to your farm, that knows nothing about goats, and they ask, what is wrong with those GOATS! ...and you have to say, "Well they are just depressed." Good Luck and hope you have a nice Easter. DISCLAIMER: If you are not of the Christian belief, please just "pay no mind" to that last statement. I'm leaving now!