Loose Mineral for Cattle: Answers to Common Questions

Most cattle producers feed their cattle mineral, but are they feeding them the right formulations?

Below we address common producer questions and offer suggestions on what beef producers should consider when developing a mineral program.

Why Feed Minerals to Cattle?

Mineral deficiency is a health issue on many farms and ranches. In fact, some animal health issues may actually stem from a mineral deficiency, which can be a key contributing factor that we often don’t fully recognize or appreciate.

Producers should intentionally consider the quality of which mineral they choose and be able to quantify the results. In the past, many producers would exclusively put out plain white salt — which does not contain vital minerals for health and performance. There’s a new generation of producers who understand the need for a quality, comprehensive mineral package and the importance of selecting the right mineral to target their production goals.

When Should You Feed Mineral to Your Herd?

Mineral should be fed to cattle at all stages of production. Feeding a Breeder mineral formulated to maximize reproductive success to cows at key stages of production can benefit conception rates and result in tighter calving windows. Although we often focus on mineral consumption for reproductive success, quality mineral is vital at all life stages to maximize growth, performance, and overall herd health.

How Much Mineral Should Be Fed?

Consumption rate for most minerals is 4 ounces per head per day.

Mineral is typically fed free choice, which allows cattle to regulate their intake. You can strategically place your mineral feeders and water sources to help drive intake. Salt is typically used as the intake limiter to reduce the risk of overconsumption.

What Regional Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing Mineral?

Regional differences greatly impact mineral selection. Pasture or water testing are both recommended to help you better understand the mineral levels present in your environment and where you may have gaps in nutrient delivery. It’s crucial to be aware if there are any toxicities or deficiencies.

For example, South Dakota has areas where the soil is naturally high in selenium. This could lead to selenium toxicity if producers don't take this local factor into account when selecting their mineral.

You also should consider soil salinity as salt is the ultimate driver of mineral intake. Cattle seek to consume to their salt requirement every day; if they are picking that salt up somewhere else, this can decrease mineral intake and leave them in a state of deficiency. In some areas of Montana, South Dakota, and western North Dakota, for example, the high level of salt in the water can deter consistent intake of mineral in its required quantity.

In areas with known intake issues, consider a mineral program with the most bioavailable ingredients to ensure cattle get more usable nutrients with each intake.

How Does Weather Affect Mineral Selection?

Problems can arise if there is excess or insufficient moisture. When it's too wet, the grass can be washy and generally lacking in mineral content, so cattle have to eat a large volume in order to meet their mineral requirements.

Alternatively, if the environment is very dry, the forage has very little mineral uptake from the roots because there’s nothing available to transport it. In this scenario, there’s a high probability of a herd being mineral deficient.

How Should Producers Choose a Mineral Program?

Read more