Glenn Selk: Monitor Mineral Intake Closely During Summer
Summer often becomes a busy time of year for ranchers (especially during haying season). Making certain your cows, heifers, and bulls are receiving the minerals that they require is one of the chores that can be easily overlooked. Don't forget to check the mineral feeders or blocks to be certain that they are supplying the minerals your cattle need.
In some cases, medications may be recommended by your veterinarian to be included in the mineral mix. Cow-calf operators need to monitor mineral consumption closely to be certain that the label-recommended amounts are being consumed by the cattle. A “Veterinary Feed Directive” (VFD) will be necessary for antibiotic feeding in mineral supplements. Contact and work with your local large animal veterinarian about the appropriate VFD for your operation.
Placement of mineral feeders and blocks can aid in achieving optimum mineral intake. Place them in areas where cattle spend a lot of time. Minerals should be placed in loafing areas, near water sources, in shady areas, or any other location that tends be a popular place for the herd to congregate.
A rule of thumb is to provide one mineral feeding station for every 30 to 50 cows. Check feeders at least once a week and keep a clean, fresh supply of minerals present at all times. A good feeder should keep minerals dry, be portable and hold up to abuse and corrosion. Open tubs are not adequate in high rainfall areas.
Cattle owners can receive additional help with calculating mineral intake with the “OSU Mineral Calculator” and the “OSU Mineral Consumption Record” sheets. To download these aids go to http://beefextension.com/ and click “Other materials” and then “Calculators”.
Choosing a mineral mix requires understanding of the animal’s requirements and the minerals available in the forages and feedstuffs available to the animals. Mineral needs tend to be area specific and change with soil type, fertilization rates, rainfall and many other factors.
Mineral requirements also will depend on animal age and stage of production. An excellent reference source for Oklahoma beef producers about mineral supplementation can be found in the Oklahoma State University Extension Bulletin E-861 “Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition of Grazing Cattle.”
