When it comes to minerals people tend to focus only on either spring or fall. It is during these times of the year that cattle go through their highest demands. But just because that is the case it doesn’t mean that you should neglect your cows mineral needs during the rest of the year.
With summer being breeding season for most people making sure that your cattle are meeting their mineral requirements is important here too. Studies have shown that cattle that are deficient in minerals are less likely to breed back on time, or at all. So don’t you think it is important that their needs are met?
Summer is what you may call a “transitioning” period. Grasses during this time are starting to mature and move into their seeding stage. As they mature though their nutritional value also decreases. As I mentioned it also being breeding season your cow’s nutritional needs are increasing during this time.
So how can you make the most impact with your mineral supplementation? Here are 4 tips that you can follow:
Salt, along with other minerals, are necessary to sustain life in cows. Much like humans they are the essential building blocks for a living being to perform at best.
Creep feeding can be a very useful tool for producers with young calves. This will improve both your bottom line and your overall profitability.
A protein tub is a very good way to provide extra nutrition when needed. One benefit is that once you have placed it in the pasture you don’t need to check it every day. This is helpful for those that may have a job back in town.
Will your cattle meet their mineral requirements this summer?
Creep feeding can be an excellent tool for improving the overall weaning weights of your calves. It can be a good management and economic option for improving your bottom line.
Using a mineral supplement is one of the most important yet overlooked parts of cattle management. Sure, we all are concerned with the amount of protein or energy they are getting but what about meeting their mineral needs?
Protein tubs have been gaining in popularity here lately with both small and large producers. Smaller producers like the fact it is self-feeding so they do not have to constantly be there. Larger producers like the fact that it requires less labor than say feeding range cubes/
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.
Salt, along with other minerals, are necessary to sustain life in cows. Much like humans they are the essential building blocks for a living being to perform at best.
