Salt as you may know is one of the important building blocks for cattle. This, along with other minerals, are necessary for cattle to perform at their best.
An interesting thing about salt is that cattle have a natural “urge” to consume it. What this means is that unlike other minerals they will actually seek it out. If for some reason they are not able to find it then they will try to ingest it from other sources. This is when you will see cattle eating odd things such as tree bark, dirt, and even urine.
As I mentioned a couple of paragraphs earlier salt is very important for the overall function of cattle. Along with adding in milk production it will assist with other functions too. These functions are things like reproduction, blood flow, and even sweating. Though I am pretty sure that last one should be pretty obvious.
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.
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.
