Proposal 

– Maximum Nutrient Values for

Small Ruminant
(Sheep and Goat) Feeds
July 2018

Purpose
As part of a comprehensive, multi-year regulatory
modernization process, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(CFIA) has initiated the renewal of the federal Feeds Regulations
(Regulations) as one of several priorities identified for
modernization.
The goal of renewing the Regulations is to develop a
modernized risk- and outcome- based regulatory framework for
feeds which:

 safeguards feeds and the food production continuum

 attains the most effective and efficient balance between
fair and competitive trade in the market
 minimizes regulatory burden

Modernization of the Regulations provides the opportunity to

review feed controls, standards, labelling and other regulatory
requirements. The purpose of this proposal is to:

 review the nutrient content standards for sheep and goat

feeds set out in Table 4 of Schedule I of the current
Regulations which the CFIA has used to exempt complete
feeds and some supplements from registration
 recommend possible updates or amendments to the
current requirements
Background and current situation
Table 4 of Schedule I was created and incorporated into the
Feeds Regulations in the 1980s as a mechanism to exempt
certain groups of feeds from mandatory registration. The
original Table 4 established nutrient ranges (minimums and
maximums) as exemption criteria for feeds for chickens,
turkeys, swine, beef and dairy cattle, and sheep. In 1990, via
two regulatory amendments, the table was first expanded to
include horses, goats, ducks, and geese; and then for rabbits,
mink, and salmonid fish. Since that time, there have been no
other substantive changes to the table or to any of the nutrient
ranges.
Currently, the feed can be exempted from registration if:

 a complete feed provides nutrients which fall within the

ranges listed in Table 4 or
 a supplement has directions for use which would result in
a complete feed that provides nutrients which fall within
the Table 4 ranges

Feeds that provide nutrients which fall outside the ranges listed
in Table 4, and that do not meet any additional exemption
criteria, require assessment and registration by the CFIA prior
to manufacture and sale.
In the case of small ruminant feeds, the original Table 4
established nutrient ranges in complete feed only. However,
the National Research Council (1987 and 2007) report nutrient
requirements for small ruminants on a total diet dry matter
basis. Many factors – breed, size, reproduction stage, lactating
stage, climate, type of forages and grains, on-farm feed
management and practices, environmental conditions among
others – have an impact on the variability of the daily feed
intake. As total daily ration for ruminants includes forages,
establishing nutrient ranges on the basis of complete feeds
only does not take into consideration the nutrient contribution
from the forage portion of the total daily diets and may lead to
over supplementation of certain nutrients especially when the
forages contain high level of nutrients and constitute a greater
proportion of the daily diets.
As indicated in the 2016 Feed Regulatory Renewal Consolidated
Modernized Framework Proposal, both the CFIA and
stakeholders recognize that some of the values in Table 4 may
no longer have the same nutritional relevancy that they did
when the table was first introduced. Stakeholders have also
indicated that they feel that Table 4 prevents innovation for
new feed products. However, many of the maximum nutrient
levels which are currently set out in Table 4 have health and
safety implications that must be considered.

Proposal
It is proposed that:

 Table 4 be removed from the Regulations and no longer

serve as a trigger to register feeds based on specified
ranges of nutrient content
 maximum nutrient levels be established and incorporated
by reference for sheep and goat feeds
 the proposed maximums are established based on total
daily diets rather than for complete feeds only

This proposed approach addresses stakeholder concerns

regarding Table 4 and its relevance in current industry
practices, as well as claims that the nutrient ranges provided in
Table 4 impede new products from entering the marketplace.
Furthermore, it addresses concerns regarding the harmful
impact that higher levels of certain nutrients may have on
livestock or the resulting food products, and underscores the
modernized regulatory framework's focus on health and safety
for humans, animals, and the environment. It is further
proposed that:

 minimum levels for nutrients will no longer be established,

however, feeds will still be required to be suitable for their
intended purpose and must meet an animal's nutritional
requirements
 maximum levels for nutrients will be established by
species or classes of species, as appropriate
 nutrient maximum levels will be incorporated by reference
in the Feeds Regulations to facilitate updating, as
necessary

Considerations
The domestic feed industry considers that the Table 4 nutrient
ranges are out of date, and that this table is no longer an
appropriate regulatory tool for feeds. However, there remains a
continued need for an enforceable regulatory framework
regarding maximum nutrient concentrations in livestock feeds
for health and safety reasons. For instance, levels of certain
vitamins in livestock rations (for example, vitamins A, D, and E)
in excess of nutritional requirements can be harmful to
livestock or can be concentrated into tissues that are used for
human consumption, thus posing potential risk to human
health. Similarly, certain minerals (for example, copper, iodine,
phosphorus and zinc) fed in excess of livestock requirements
can also contribute to increased human and environmental
risks.
A significant proportion of minerals fed in excess of
requirements are excreted into the environment via urine and
feces. Consequently, even though the maximum tolerable level
(MTL) of a given mineral may be significantly greater than the
nutritional level, feeding at the maximum tolerable level may
result in negative impact on the environment.
An analysis of sheep and goat nutritional requirements and
maximum tolerable dietary nutrient levels was conducted by
the CFIA with the following scope:

 to determine those nutrient levels that may impact the

health and safety of the respective livestock, humans, and
environment
 to determine those nutrient levels that support a
nutritional purpose as opposed to a therapeutic purpose
 to determine those nutrient levels that may produce
residues in the resulting food that could be harmful to
those consuming the products

Information sources used in the review and development of

nutrient maximums in sheep and goat feeds included:

 recommendations and formal opinions provided by other

national authorities and food safety agencies (for example,
the National Research Council of the National Academies,
the European Food Safety Authority)
 research published in peer-reviewed literature (for
example, Small Ruminant Research, Journal of Animal
Science)
 Guidance document on classification of veterinary drugs
and livestock feeds

Appendix I sets out the proposed maximum nutrient values for

sheep feeds.
Appendix II sets out the proposed maximum nutrient values for
goat feeds.
The current Table 4 nutrient values to exempt feeds from
registration are for the complete feed (grain portion of diets
only) on an "as fed" basis (assumed 90% dry matter), assuming
a fixed intake for all classes of small ruminants. In contrast, the
proposed maximum nutrient levels are to be applied to the
total dietary intake. These proposed maximums were derived
taking into consideration typical total daily diets for the various
classes of small ruminants and ranges for nutrient content of
the forages (where known) as well as complete feeds (grain
portion) and are reported on a "dry matter" basis. The
proposed maximum nutrient concentration in the daily diet has
been set high enough to provide flexibility to formulate
nutritionally and environmentally sound diets. Where practical,

 classes of sheep and goats with similar maximums have

been grouped, or
 a common and rounded nutrient value is presented across
all classes

While the NRC requirements for vitamins are on a supplemental

basis and the maximum values indicated in this proposal are on
a total diet DM basis, the proposed values are over and above
the NRC requirements such that contributions from the grain
and forages, though variable, would not result in values
exceeding the stated maximums.

Anticipated outcomes
This modernized regulatory approach to the oversight of
maximum nutrient content in sheep and goat feeds would:

 give regulated industry the flexibility to manufacture feeds

with nutrient contents that meet their customers' needs
 without requiring pre-market assessment and
authorization
 allow the CFIA to maintain regulatory oversight for
hazards that may negatively impact human or animal
health or the environment
 allow for timely updates to the standards as new
information concerning specific nutrients is provided
 reduce the regulatory burden on industry wishing to get
innovative products into the marketplace

Stakeholders are being provided with an opportunity to

comment on all proposals, including the maximum nutrient
values being suggested for each species or class of species,
before they are incorporated into a regulatory framework.

References: A complete bibliography is available upon request.

Have your say

The CFIA is seeking feedback on the proposal to modify the
regulatory requirements related to maximum nutrient content
in livestock feed:

 Do you have any concerns with the proposal to remove the

Table 4 nutrient levels from the Feeds Regulations and no
longer exempting feeds from registration based on the
nutrient content of the feeds?
 Do you have any concerns with the proposal to establish
maximum nutrient values for livestock feeds?
 Do you have any concerns with the proposed maximum
nutrient values outlined in Appendix I and II for sheep and
goat feeds, respectively?
 Would the proposed amendments to the Feeds
Regulations be effective in protecting human and animal
health and the environment?
  Are there options not mentioned in this proposal that
should be explored?
 Any additional feedback?
We strongly encourage you to provide your input and feedback,
which is critically important to the success of the regulatory
modernization initiative.
Please send written comments by 08/17/18 to:
Sergio Tolusso
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Animal Feed Division
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0Y9
Email: Sergio.tolusso@canada.ca
Fax: 613-773-7565

Appendix I – Proposed maximum nutrient

values fo sheep feeds
Sheep classes and average intakes: (dry matter basis (DM))

Class Range of DM intake

(% body weight (BW))  Tab

Rams 1.6 to 2

Ewes (Breeding and Lactating) 1.6 to 5

Market lambs 1.5 to 6

Table Note
Table Note 1
Adapted from NRC 2007 Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants
Washington, DC, The National Academies Press.
Return to table note 1 referrer

Macro-minerals
Calcium (Ca)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 2

Considerations:

 calcium (Ca) requirements for sheep are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
0.16% and 0.37% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 maximum tolerable level of Ca in sheep feed is 1.5% of
diet DM (NRC 2005)
 calcium levels greater than 1.5% of diet DM may decrease
feed intake, and/or negatively affect the metabolism of
other minerals – namely phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn)
(NRC 2005)

Phosphorus (P)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 0.6

Considerations:

 phosphorus (P) requirements for sheep are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
 0.15% and 0.31% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 phosphorus supplied in surplus of dietary needs is
excreted in the manure, contaminates runoff water, and
leads to eutrophication; a significant environmental
concern (NRC 2007)
 high dietary P may lead to urolithiasis in sheep (NRC 2005)
 maximum tolerable level for P in sheep feed (assuming
sufficient Ca) is 0.6% diet DM (NRC 2005)

Magnesium (Mg)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 0.5

Considerations:

 magnesium (Mg) requirements for sheep are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
0.08% and 0.12% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 (NRC 2005) states that the maximum tolerable dietary level
of Mg in ruminant feed is 0.6% diet DM
 excessive dietary Mg in sheep may lead to lethargy,
diarrhea, decreased feed intake and decreased
performance (NRC 2007)
Sodium (Na)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 1.2

Considerations:

 sodium (Na) requirements for sheep are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
0.04% and 0.08% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 (NRC 2005) reports the maximum tolerable level of sodium
chloride (NaCl) in feed as 4% diet DM (approximately
1.6% Na)
 decreased animal performance can be observed at levels
as low as 2.0% dietary NaCl (approximately 0.8% Na)
(Markus 2013) but can be ameliorated with access to fresh
water, as sheep increase water intake and urine excretion
of Na when fed high Na diets (NRC 2007)

Potassium (K)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 3

Considerations:
  potassium (K) requirements for sheep are estimated by
(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
0.41% and 0.50% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 (NRC 2005) states that the maximum tolerable dietary level
of K in ruminant feed is 2% diet DM
 potassium excess may lead to grass tetany
(hypomagnesemia) and/or milk fever (hypocalcaemia)
(NRC 2007)
 potassium excretion leading to environmental
contamination is also of increasing concern and
necessitates precision feeding (NRC 2007)

Sulfur (S)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 0.4

Considerations:

 sulfur (S) requirements for sheep are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
0.14% and 0.16% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 dietary S requirements may be greater when formulating
diets with urea (or other non-protein nitrogen sources),
with mature forages, and/or with forages grown
on S deficient soils
 NRC (2005) indicates that setting maximum tolerable level
for S in sheep feed is 0.3% diet DM in high concentrate
diets and 0.5% diet DM in high forage diet
 o high concentrate diets refer to diets with less than
15% forage (specifically market lambs)
o high forage diets refer to diets with greater than 40%

forage
 extending the current 0.4% to a total diet DM basis for all
sheep is protective of those with high forage diets and
accounts for market lambs presumably being fed high
concentrate diets
 sulfur levels in forage crops and feed ingredients
considering usage rates (NRC 2016) were considered
 excessive dietary S interferes with copper (Cu) and
selenium (Se) metabolism and may lead to
polioencephalomalacia (NRC 2007)

Trace Minerals

Cobalt (Co)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 10

Considerations:

 fundamentally, ruminants do not have a dietary

requirement for cobalt (Co); but, ruminal micro-organisms
require Co for the synthesis of vitamin B12 (NRC 2007)
 (NRC 2007) recommends a minimum level of 0.10 to
0.20 mg Co/kg diet DM
 (Wang, Kong et al. 2007) and (Bishehsari,
Tabatabaei et al. 2010) conducted trials in which
supplementation of 0.50 mg Co/kg diet DM improved
 average daily gain and digestibility compared to
0.25 mg Co/kg diet DM and/or 1 mg Co/kg diet DM
 maximum tolerable level of Co in sheep feed is reported as
25 mg/kg diet DM. However, there may be human health
implications (via kidney Co concentration) associated with
animals consuming the maximum amounts of Co/kg feed
(NRC 2005)
 Co and Co compounds pose a risk to workers during
mixing and feeding due to their dusting potential and
presumed carcinogenicity after inhalation
(EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products
or Substances used in Animal Feed) 2009, European Food
Safety Authority 2012)
 European Food Safety Authority suggests a maximum
content of 1 mg Co/kg diet DM (EFSA FEEDAP Panel
(EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used
in Animal Feed) 2009, European Food Safety Authority
2012)

Copper (Cu)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 8 (added)

Considerations:

 copper (Cu) requirements for sheep are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
3 and 7.12 mg Cu/kg diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
  (NRC 2005) reports the maximum tolerable level of Cu in
sheep feeds is 15 mg/kg diet DM
 maximum tolerable level assumes the ration contains
normal levels of molybdenum (1-2 mg/kg diet DM) and
sulfur (0.15-0.25 mg/kg diet DM). If these minerals are
present in greater quantities, some sheep may be
susceptible to Cu deficiency; and if present in lower
quantities, some sheep may be susceptible to Cu toxicosis
(NRC 2005)
 reports of copper toxicosis and chronic copper poisoning
(CPP) are well documented in sheep; symptoms include
excessive copper accumulation in the liver,
haemoglobinuria, haemoglobianemia and jaundice
(NRC 2007)

Iodine (I)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fe

Lactating sheep 10

Non-lactating sheep 10

Considerations:

 (NRC 2007) estimates the iodine (I) requirements for

growing and mature (non-lactating) sheep as
0.5 mg/kg diet DM and for lactating ewes as
0.8 mg/kg diet DM
 maximum tolerable level of I in sheep feed is reported as
50 mg/kg diet DM (NRC 2005)
  (European Food Safety Authority 2013) states that iodine
concentrations in foods of animal origin represent a
significant risk to consumers. To ameliorate consumer risk,
the proposed maximum is lower than both the MTL and
current maximum in complete feed
 children should be consuming approximately
200 μg/kg (Castro et al. 2010)
 current bulk tank samples (of cow's milk) are testing at
approximately 300 μg/kg, which rationalizes the move to
reduce I in feed (Castro et al. 2010)
 sheep milk that has been tested is comparable to cow milk
(Rozenska 2011)
 sheep proposal for I mirrors that for lactating dairy
(1.3 mg/kg)

Iron (Fe)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 250

Considerations:

 iron (Fe) requirements for sheep are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
5.41 and 69.11 mg/kg diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 (Munday and Manns 1989) reported that iron doses of
100 mg/kg/day was protective against sporidesmin toxicity
 maximum tolerable level (MTL) of Fe in sheep feed is
reported as 500 mg/kg diet DM (NRC 2005)
  forages are abundant in Fe; as such, the maximum safety
limit is set to the MTL to accommodate the high intrinsic
level that may be present in forages
 excessive iron supplementation can result in liver damage
and copper deficiency (NRC 2007)

Manganese (Mn)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 200

Considerations:

 concentration of manganese (Mn) in forages varies greatly

depending on plant species, soil pH and soil drainage
 Mn requirements for sheep are estimated by (NRC 2007)
using the factorial method; they vary between 5.14 and
25.58 mg/kg diet DM based on the type of animal and
stage of production
 maximum tolerable level of Mn in sheep feed is reported
as 2000 mg/kg diet DM (NRC 2005)
 current authorised maximum of Mn in complete feed in
the European Union is 150 mg Mn/kg diet (European
Commission 2003); at this level manganese is considered
safe for the animal, worker, consumer, and environment
Selenium (Se)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 0.3 (added)

Considerations:

 selenium (Se) concentrations in feedstuff range from 0.01-

0.3 mg/kg depending on Se content in the soil
and pH (NRC 2007)
 Se requirements for sheep are estimated by (NRC 2007)
using the factorial method; they vary based on the type of
animal and stage of production
 maximum tolerable level of Se in ruminant feed is
5 mg/kg diet. However, this value was set considering
animal health (only) and lower levels are necessary to
avoid excessive accumulation in edible tissues (NRC 2005)
 European Food Safety Authority suggests a maximum of
0.5 mg Se/kg diet (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or
Substances used in Animal Feed 2016)
 the CFIA provided Health Canada with data on Se transfer
to milk, meat, and eggs. Health Canada assessed this data
and has indicated that 1 mg/kg total selenium in the diet
should not result in Se concentrations of concern in foods
of animal origin
Zinc (Zn)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Sheep (All) 150

Considerations:

 zinc (Zn) requirements for sheep are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
18.57 and 35.04 mg/kg diet DM based on the type of
animal and stage of production
 (Wang, Zhu et al. 2006) found no difference in
performance parameters in lambs supplemented with 50,
100 or 150 mg Zn/kg diet DM but did observe a negative
effect of Zn supplementation on vitamin B12 status in
lambs above 100 mg Zn/kg diet DM
 maximum tolerable level of Zn in sheep feed is reported as
300 mg/kg diet DM (NRC 2005)
 increases in sediment bound zinc have been positively
associated with livestock densities (Smith, K.J.
Hall et al. 2007) and, as a result, excretion of zinc from
livestock is of increasing environmental concern
(Monteiro, Lofts et al. 2010)
 European Union authorized maximum content for Zn in
complete feedingstuffs for "other species" is 150 mg/kg
 EFSA (2014, 2015) proposes a reduction in zinc content of
feedstuffs to 100 mg/kg DM to minimize environmental
damage
 use of Zn supplements (greatly exceeding requirements)
in sheep feed also threatens food safety through the
 potential emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance
pathogens. As such, the maximum levels are set lower
than the current recommended MTL levels.

Vitamins

Vitamin A

Current
Class (IU/day)

Lambs for rearing 75,000

(≤2 months old)

Sheep for fattening 75,000

(≥2 months old)

Considerations:

 104.7 IU of vitamin A/kg of BW is recommended for small

ruminants (NRC 2007)
o for example, a 100 kg ewe would require

10,470 IU (104.7 IU/kg BW*100 kg) of vitamin A/day

 (Markus 2013) estimates sheep vitamin A requirements
between 2300 IU/kg diet DM and
5000 IU/kg diet DM based on type of animal and stage of
production
 presumed safe levels for vitamin A in sheep is
45 000 IU/kg diet (NRC 1987)
 FEEDAP proposal from 2008 (EFSA, 2008) balanced equally
between assuring the safety of consumers (avoiding
excess retinol intake) and of target animals (avoiding
negative effects on performance and the economics of
 production). As a guide the maximum contents proposed
were based on double the allowances
 European Food Safety Authority 2013 expanded on
the FEEDAP Panel 2008 states that all exposure
calculations demonstrate that liver is the only food of
animal origin for which consumption poses a risk to adult
consumers. This risk could be greatly reduced (but not
eliminated) if the new levels proposed by EFSA for a
reduction of the maximum vitamin A are
implemented. EFSA (2013) provided some modification to
improve its practicability and proposed the following
maximum contents for vitamin A:
o 16,000 IU/kg in feeds for lambs and kids for rearing

in the first two months of life

o 10,000 IU/kg in feeds for sheep and goats for

fattening

Vitamin D

Current
Class (IU/day)

Sheep (All) 7,500

Considerations:

 vitamin D requirements proposed by (NRC 2007) are in line

with those in previous publications (NRC 1980; NRC 1981,
1985). 5.6 IU vitamin D/kg BW is required for maintenance
and early pregnancy; an additional 213 IU/day in late
pregnancy, 760 IU/kg milk production during lactation,
and 54 IU/day for every 50 g daily weight gain is also
required:
 o for example, a 100 kg ewe in late pregnancy would
require 773 IU of vitamin D ((5.6 IU/kg BW*100 kg) +
213 IU) per day
 safe upper level of vitamin D in sheep is reported as
25,000 IU/kg diet when exposure is less than 60 days and
2,200 IU/kg diet when exposure is greater than 60 days
(NRC 1987)
 vitamin D supplied in excess is associated with
hypercalcemia and calcification of soft tissues (NRC 1987)

Vitamin E

Current
Class (IU/day)

Sheep (All) NRS (No requirement specified)

Considerations:

 5.3 IU vitamin E/kg body weight (BW) is the minimum

recommendation reported by (NRC 2007)
 NRC (1987), noted most species should tolerate at least 20
times nutritionally adequate levels of vitamin E, and a
presumed upper safe level is 75 IU/kg-BW. With feed
intakes ranging up to 6% BW for some growing lambs, a
presumed upper safe level is 1250 IU/kg DM
 EFSA (2010) indicates that more than 200 IU vitamin
E/kg complete feeds is not desirable in feeding practice
 higher levels ofVitamin E has a potential
non-feed/therapeutic use for improving immune function
(Petersson et al., 2010)
Appendix II – Proposed maximum nutrient
values for goat feeds
Goat classes and average intakes: (dry matter basis (DM))

Class Range
(% body weig

Mature bucks 1

Mature does (Dairy; Breeding and Lactating) 2

Mature does (Non-Dairy; Breeding and Lactating) 1

Growing kids (Dairy) 2

Growing kids (non-Dairy) 2

Table Notes
Table Note 2
Adapted from NRC 2007 Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants
Washington, DC, The National Academies Press.
Return to table note 2 referrer

Macro-minerals

Calcium (Ca)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 2

Considerations:

 calcium (Ca) requirements for goats are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
0.14% and 0.60% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
  maximum tolerable level of Ca in goat feed is 1.5%
diet DM (NRC 2005)
 calcium levels greater than 1.5% of diet DM may decrease
feed intake, and/or negatively affect the metabolism of
other minerals – namely Phosphorus (P) and Zinc (Zn)
(NRC 2005)

Phosphorus (P)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 1

Considerations:

 phosphorus (P) requirements for goats are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
0.13% and 0.33% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 maximum tolerable level for P in small ruminant feed is
0.6% diet DM (NRC 2007)
 phosphorus supplied in surplus of dietary needs is
excreted in the manure, contaminates runoff water, and
leads to eutrophication, which is a significant
environmental concern (NRC 2007)
Magnesium (Mg)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 0.5

Considerations:

 magnesium (Mg) requirements for goats were estimated

by (NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary
between 0.05% and 0.14% of diet DM based on the type of
animal and stage of production
 (NRC 2005) states that the maximum tolerable dietary level
of Mg in ruminant feed is 0.6% diet DM
 excessive dietary Mg may lead to lethargy, diarrhea,
decreased feed intake and, as a result decreased
performance (NRC 2007)
 high dietary magnesium intake has also been associated
with urolithiasis in goats (NRC 2007)

Sodium (Na)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 1.2

Considerations:

 sodium (Na) requirements for goats are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
 0.05% and 0.11% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 (Gomes, Oliveira-Pascoa et al. 2011) suggested that the
nutritional requirements for Na proposed by the National
Research Council (NRC 2007) were greater than what is
actually required in growing Saanen goat kids
 (NRC 2005) reports the maximum tolerable level of sodium
chloride (NaCl) in feed as 4% diet DM (approximately 1.6%
Na); however, decreased animal performance in goats can
be observed at levels as low as 2%
dietary NaCl (approximately 0.8% Na) (Markus 2013)
 goats increase water intake and urine excretion
of Na when fed high Na diets (NRC 2007)

Potassium (K)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) NRS

Considerations:

 potassium (K) requirements for goats are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
0.40% and 0.70% of diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 (Gomes, Oliveira-Pascoa et al. 2011) suggested that the
nutritional requirements for K proposed by the National
Research Council (NRC 2007) were greater than what is
actually required in growing Saanen goat kids
 (NRC 2005) states that the maximum tolerable dietary level
of K in ruminant feed is 2% diet DM
  potassium excess may lead to grass tetany
(hypomagnesemia) and/or milk fever (hypocalcaemia)
(NRC 2007)
 potassium excretion leading to environmental
contamination is also of increasing concern and
necessitates precision feeding (NRC 2007)

Sulfur (S)

Current
Class (% of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) NRS

Considerations:

 (NRC 2007) reports 0.22% sulfur (S) diet DM is required for

maintenance, gestation and growing goats while
0.26% S diet DM is required for lactating does
 dietary S requirements may be greater when formulating
diets with urea (or other non-protein nitrogen sources),
with mature forages, and/or with forages grown
on S deficient soils
 maximum tolerable level for S in ruminant feed is 0.3%
diet DM in high concentrate diets and 0.5% diet DM in high
forage diets (NRC 2005)
o High concentrate diets refer to diets with less than

15% forage
o High forage diets refer to diets with greater than 40%

forage
 applying the current 0.4% sheep to a total diet DM basis
for all goats should suffice given it is protective of those
with high forage diets and does not appear to be a current
 issue for market lambs presumably being fed high
concentrate diet
 sulfur levels in forage crops and feed ingredients
considering usage rates (NRC 2016) were considered
 excessive dietary S interferes with copper (Cu) and
selenium (Se) metabolism and may lead to
polioencephalomalacia (NRC 2007)

Trace Minerals

Cobalt (Co)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 10.0

Considerations:

 ruminants generally do not have a dietary requirement for

cobalt (Co),but ruminal micro-organisms require cobalt for
the synthesis of vitamin B12 (NRC 2007)
 (NRC 2007) recommends a minimum level of
0.11 Co/kg diet DM in goat feed
 maximum tolerable level of Co in goat feed is
25 mg/kg diet DM. However, there may be human health
implications (via kidney Co concentration) associated with
animals consuming the maximum amounts of Co/kg feed
(NRC 2005).
 Co and Co compounds pose a risk to workers during
mixing and feeding due to their dusting potential and
presumed carcinogenicity after inhalation
(EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products
 or Substances used in Animal Feed) 2009, European Food
Safety Authority 2012)
 European Food Safety Authority recommends a maximum
content of 1 mg Co/kg diet DM (EFSA FEEDAP Panel
(EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used
in Animal Feed) 2009, European Food Safety Authority
2012)

Copper (Cu)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 40

Considerations:

 copper (Cu) requirements recommended by (NRC 2007)

are: 15 mg Cu/kg diet DM for lactating goats,
20 mg Cu/kg diet DM for mature goats/bucks and
25 mg Cu/kg diet DM for growing goats
 (NRC 2007) suggests that goats (especially meat goats)
have a greater tolerance for copper than both sheep (MTL:
15 mg Cu/kg feed) and cattle (MTL: 40 mg Cu/kg feed);
however, based on lack of evidence,( NRC 2007) proposes
using the maximum tolerable level of Cu in cattle feed
(40 mg Cu/kg feed) for goat management
 (Huang, Wang et al. 2013, Huang, Wang et al. 2014)
estimates the maximum tolerable limit for copper in goats
as approximately 640 mg/kg diet DM
 (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used
in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) 2016) reports that copper levels
considered safe for animals can result in substantial
 excretion of copper and a significant environmental load;
they propose lowering copper maximums in feed
 use of Cu supplements (greatly exceeding requirements)
in goat feed threatens food safety through the potential
emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance pathogens

Iodine (I)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as f

Lactating Goats 10

Non-Lactating Goats 10

Considerations:

 (NRC 2007) estimates the iodine (I) requirements for

growing and mature (non-lactating) goats as
0.5 mg/kg diet DM and for lactating does as
0.8 mg/kg diet DM
 maximum tolerable level of I in sheep and cattle feed is
reported as 50 mg/kg diet DM (NRC 2005)
o it is assumed that this level can be extrapolated to

goat feed
 (Lengemann 1970) demonstrates that goats concentrate
more iodine in their milk than cows under similar
conditions
 goat milk contains greater levels of I than cows
(Flachowsky 2007)
 (European Food Safety Authority 2013) states that iodine
concentrations in food of animal origin at the current
 maximum levels of I in feed (10.0 mg I/kg feed) represent
a significant risk to consumers. To ameliorate consumer
risk, the proposed maximum is lower than the current
maximum in complete feed

Iron (Fe)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 500

Considerations:

 (NRC 2007) estimates the iron (Fe) requirements of goats

as 95 mg/kg diet DM for growing goats and as
35 mg/kg diet DM for pregnant/lactating goats
o an additional 5 mg Fe/kg diet is recommended for

Mohair (Angora) goats

 maximum tolerable level of Fe in sheep and cattle feed is
reported as 500 mg/kg diet DM (NRC 2005)
o this level has been extrapolated to goat feed

 forages are abundant in Fe; as such, the maximum safety

limit is set the MTL to accommodate the high intrinsic level
that may be present in forages
 iron toxicity can result in liver damage and copper
deficiency (NRC 2007)
Manganese (Mn)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 200

Considerations:

 concentration of manganese (Mn) in forages varies greatly

depending on plant species, soil pH and soil drainage
 manganese requirements for goats are estimated by
(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
7.71 and 23.94 mg/kg diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
 maximum tolerable level for Mn in sheep and cattle diets
is 2,000 mg/kg diet DM (NRC 2005)
o this level has been extrapolated to goat feed

 current European Union authorised max total content of

manganese in complete feed is set at 150 mg/kg for goats
(European Commission 2003); at this level manganese is
considered safe for the animal, worker, consumer, and
environment

Selenium (Se)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 0.3 (added)

Considerations:

 selenium (Se) requirements for goats are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary based on
the type of animal and stage of production
 maximum tolerable level of Se in ruminant feed is
reported as 5 mg/kg diet. However, this value was set
considering animal health only and lower levels are
necessary to avoid excessive accumulation in edible
tissues (NRC 2005)
 current European Union authorised maximum total
content of selenium in complete feed is set at
0.5 mg/kg for goats (European Commission 2003)
 The CFIA provided Health Canada with data on Se transfer
to milk, meat, and eggs. Health Canada assessed this data
and has indicated that 1 mg/kg total selenium in the diet
should not result in Se concentrations of concern in foods
of animal origin

Zinc (Zn)

Current
Class (mg/kg of complete feed, as fed)

Goat (All) 250

Considerations:

 zinc (Zn) requirements for goats are estimated by

(NRC 2007) using the factorial method; they vary between
5.41 and 63.15 mg/kg diet DM based on the type of animal
and stage of production
  maximum tolerable level of Zn in sheep feed is reported as
300 mg/kg diet DM (NRC 2005)
o this level has been extrapolated to goat feed

 increases in sediment bound zinc have been positively

associated with livestock densities (Smith, K.J.
Hall et al. 2007) and, as a result, zinc excretion from
livestock is of increasing environmental concern
(Monteiro, Lofts et al. 2010)
 (European Food Safety Authority 2014) proposes a
reduction in zinc content of feedstuff to 100 mg/kg to
lessen environmental damage. As such, the proposed
maximum is lower than the MTL for animal health
 use of zinc supplements (greatly exceeding requirements)
in goat feed also threatens food safety through the
potential emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance
pathogens

Vitamins

Vitamin A

Current
Class (IU/day)

Kids for Rearing 40,000

(≤2 months old)

Goats for Fattening 40,000

(≥2 months old)

Considerations:
 104.7 IU of vitamin A/kg of BW is recommended for small
ruminants (NRC 2007):
o For example, a 100 kg doe would require

10,470 IU (104.7 IU/kg BW*100 kg) of vitamin A/day

 presumed safe level for vitamin A in goats is
45 000 IU/kg diet (NRC 1987)
 2008 FEEDAP proposal (EFSA, 2008) balanced equally
between assuring the safety of consumers (avoiding
excess retinol intake) and of target animals (avoiding
negative effects on performance and the economics of
production). As a guide the maximum contents proposed
were based on double the allowances.
 European Food Safety Authority 2013 expanded on
the FEEDAP Panel 2008 states that all exposure
calculations demonstrate that liver is the only food of
animal origin for which consumption poses a risk to adult
consumers. This risk could be greatly reduced (but not
eliminated) if the new levels proposed by EFSA for a
reduction of the maximum vitamin A are
implemented. EFSA (2013) provided some modification to
improve its practicability and proposed the following
maximum contents for vitamin A:
o 16 000 IU/kg in feeds for lambs and kids for rearing

in the first two months of life

o 10 000 IU/kg in feeds for sheep and goats for

fattening
Vitamin D

Current
Class (IU/day)

Goat (All) 3,000

Considerations:

 vitamin D requirements proposed by (NRC 2007) are in line

with those in previous publications (NRC 1980; NRC 1981,
1985). 5.6 IU vitamin D/kg BW is required for maintenance
and early pregnancy; an additional 213 IU/day in late
pregnancy, 760 IU/kg during lactation, and 54 IU/day for
every 50 g daily weight gain is also required:
o for example, a 100 kg doe in late pregnancy would

require 773 IU of vitamin D ((5.6 IU/kg BW*100 kg) +

213 IU) per day
 safe upper level of vitamin D in small ruminants is
reported as 25 000 IU/kg diet when exposure is less than
60 days and 2 200 IU/kg diet when exposure is greater
than 60 days (NRC 1987)
 vitamin D supplied in excess is associated with
hypercalcemia and calcification of soft tissues (NRC 1987)

Vitamin E

Current
Class (IU/day)

Goat (All) NRS

Vitamin E

Current
Class (IU/day)

Considerations:

 5.3 IU vitamin E/kg body weight (BW) is the minimum

recommendation reported by (NRC 2007)
 NRC (1987), noted most species should tolerate at least 20
times nutritionally adequate levels of vitamin E, and a
presumed upper safe level is 75 IU/kg-BW. With feed
intake ranging up to 7.7% BW for goats (NRC 2007), a
presumed upper safe level of 1000 IU/kg DM is proposed
 EFSA (2010) indicates that more than 200 IU vitamin
E/kg complete feedingstuffs is not desirable in feeding
practice