What are  IGR Minerals^®?
IGR Minerals contain scientifically formulated base and trace mineral package, vitamins A, D, and E, plus IGR (Insect Growth Regulator). IGR Minerals are utilized to prevent the breeding of horn files in the manure of treated cattle. The mineral component is vital for achieving the most economical gains from the forages and grain fed to cattle.

Why Feed Minerals?
Minerals and vitamins help producers obtain the most economical gains possible from the forages and grain fed to cattle. Minerals play a vital role in nutrient digestion, reproductive performance, functioning of the immune system, and in the development of muscles, bones, and teeth. Typically, inadequate intake of any essential mineral or vitamin may result in:

• Reduced forage intake

• Decreased average daily gain

• Inefficient feed utilization

• Reduced reproductive efficiency

• Reduced disease immunity

What if Only Salt is Fed, Won't That Work?




Salt or trace mineralized salt will not meet all the needs of cattle. Cattle need a balanced macrotrace mineral and vitamin program to optimize forage digestion and cattle performance. The chart illustrates the difference in nutrient digestion in cattle fed salt compared to a balanced mineral and vitamin program.

Why Feed Minerals?
Minerals and vitamins have been scientifically researched to provide the proper formulation to enhance forage digestion in beef cattle. Plus, the patented OptiCorTM manufacturing process provides uniform nutrient distribution and protection from weather, which ensures cattle get what they need with every "bite" regardless of weather conditions.

What is IGR?
IGR is an insect growth regulator, which helps break the life cycle of horn flies. More cost-effective horn fly protection can be obtained by controlling immature stages rather than the adults.

• IGR will not leach out of cattle manure.

• IGR decomposes naturally along with the manure.

• IGR effects only the horn fly pupae and will not harm beneficial insects.

• IGR does not require withdrawal prior to milking or slaughter.

• IGR is not harmful to warm-blooded animals, birds, fish, and reptiles.

Horn Fly Facts

• USDA estimates horn flies cost the cattle industry over $730 million due to lost production.

• Horn flies typically travel no more than a quarter of a mile during their lifetime.

• Horn flies reproduce at tremendous rates. With no treatment program, two adult horn flies can produce over 3.3 million adult horn flies and over 111 million immature horn flies in only eight weeks.

• Each horn fly can bite and suck blood 20 to 40 times daily.

• Up to 20% less milk is produced by cows due to decreased grazing time.

• USDA estimates the expected gain loss in growing cattle at 0.25 to 0.5 lb daily or 37.5 to 75 lb over a 150-day grazing season due to ineffective horn fly control.

• Lighter calves are weaned, typically 13 to 14 lb lighter.

• University of Idaho reported yearling heifers lost 0.06 to 0.09 lb of daily gain without horn fly protection.

Won't Ear Tags, Sprays, Pour-ons, or Dust Products Work Better?
These products do provide some degree of effectiveness against adult horn fly populations; however, they have no effect on the immature stages of horn flies. In addition, use of ear tags, sprays, pour-ons, and dusts often requires rounding up cattle into working facilities multiple times over the course of the horn fly season. This takes your valuable time and also stresses cattle. Plus, many of these products utilize organophosphates or pyrethroids, which have documented horn fly resistance in many areas. Better season long horn fly protection can be achieved by controlling immature stages rather than the adult horn flies.

Will Horn Flies Become Resistant to IGR?
There have been no verified cases of resistance to IGR since the product was introduced in 1975. The goal for horn fly protection is to keen the horn fly population below the economic threshold, which entomologists estimate is approximately 200 horn flies her animal. It is not cost effective to totally eradicate horn flies.

How Can Producers Effectively Use IGR in a Mineral Program?

• Consumption of IGR Minerals must start before the horn fly season begins.

• IGR Minerals must be consumed at least every other day.

• IGR Mineral intake should be within the label claim.

• Adequate mineral feeder space is needed....... 15 to 20 cattle per feeder

• Location and number of feeders may need to be adjusted to obtain proper consumption.

• IGR Minerals should he fed until the first killing frost.