Using a mineral supplement is one of cattle management’s most important yet overlooked parts. Sure, we all are concerned with the amount of protein or energy we are getting, but what about meeting their mineral needs?
Though cattle need minimal mineral supplements, this can significantly affect their overall production and well-being. Selecting the correct mineral supplement is necessary for optimal growth and reproduction health.
When mineral requirements are not being met, cattle do not perform as efficiently as possible. One problem here is that the signs of a deficiency may only be visible once it becomes a severe problem. When that happens, getting them back to where they need to be will cost a lot.
When a deficiency is present, you will see things like decreased weaning weights, reduced milk production, and lack of cows being bred, to name a few. Many signs of deficiency are the same with different minerals, so it may take time to pinpoint which ones they need.
But what type of mineral supplement should I provide? I may not be able to tell you exactly which one will work because I do not know your operation. However, I can give you some tips to consider when deciding which one will work best for you.
Salt blocks are available to producers in a variety of different colors. This variety is something any trip to your local feed store can tell you. Each color represents different situations in which they are needed.
Using a mineral supplement is one of cattle management’s most important yet overlooked parts. Sure, we all are concerned with the amount of protein or energy we are getting, but what about meeting their mineral needs?
Salt blocks are available to producers in a variety of different colors. This is something any trip to your local feed store can tell you. Each color represents different things about it.
Many producers out there unknowingly sabotage their mineral program by providing sulfur salt blocks to their cattle in the pasture. The general way of thinking in providing this is that it is for the purpose for external parasite control. The trouble with this is that although applied externally has shown to do this somewhat. As far as I have been able to find there is no proof that ingesting it does this.
Sulfur for cattle tends to be a bit of a dividing subject for most producers. When it comes to this subject it generates a love/hate relationship with cattlemen. There are ones who love them as well as swear by them, then there are others who feel they are a waste of money.
Sulfur salt blocks have generated a love/hate relationship among cattlemen. There are ones who love them and swear by them, then there are others who feel they are a waste of money.
