Our minds usually focus on protein and energy when we think about cattle nutrition. Those are important, sure—but minerals often get left out of the conversation. The truth is that using a mineral supplement is one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of good cattle management. Minerals might not be needed in large amounts. Still, they play a significant role in your herd’s overall health, reproduction, and performance. Think of them like the tiny tools in a big toolbox—they may be small, but the whole system doesn’t work right without them.
When cattle aren’t getting the minerals they need, it doesn’t always show up immediately. Deficiencies tend to sneak up on you. When you notice something’s off—like poor milk production, low weaning weights, or trouble getting cows bred—it’s already a more significant issue. The frustrating part is that mineral deficiencies often look the same, making it hard to determine what’s missing precisely. And once a deficiency sets in, fixing it can take time, effort, and a chunk out of your wallet. That’s why prevention is way easier (and cheaper) than trying to play catch-up.
So, how do you know what kind of mineral supplement your cows need? I would like to give you a one-size-fits-all answer, but every operation is different depending on your soil, forage, and goals. The good news is that there are a few basic things to keep in mind when choosing the right supplement. Start with a forage test to see what’s already in your pastures, then look for a well-balanced mix that fills in the gaps. This forage test is a powerful tool that puts you in control, helping you understand what your cattle are missing and making the right mineral program selection a whole lot easier.
