You Get What You Pay For
The grain and forage grown by American farmers and livestock producers is the finest feed produced in the world. But, in these feeds there are more meat and milk than livestock can extract without special nutritional help. Since 1885, we have been providing the highest quality nutritional products, services, and on-site guidance to livestock producers, helping them achieve the greatest possible return from the grain and forage they utilize in livestock production.

What are Mintrate Blocks?
Mintrate Blocks are a self-fed supplement designed to provide:

•  Crude protein

•  Scientifically formulated macro and trace minerals

•  Vitamins A, D, and E

The crude protein is supplied by multiple source oil meals, such as soybean, cottonseed, and linseed meal and a low level of urea. Mintrate Blocks are available in 33.3 lb blocks with palatability and medication options.

Why Feed Minerals and Vitamins?
Mineral and vitamin supplementation is critical for cattle to achieve the most economical gains possible from the forages and grain consumed by cattle. Minerals are needed in very small quantities, yet they are a critical part of the overall nutritional package fed to cattle and are the backbone of a successful range or feedlot cattle program. Minerals play a vital role in nutrient digestion, reproductive performance, the immune system, and in the development of muscles, bones, and teeth. Typically, inadequate intake of essential minerals or vitamins may result in:

•  Reduced forage intake

•  Inefficient feed utilization

•  Decreased average daily gain

•  Lower reproductive efficiency

•  Poor disease immunity

Minerals Needed by Cattle
Macro Minerals Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium Salt Potassium Sulfur	Trace Minerals Copper Zinc Manganese Cobalt Iodine Iron Selenium

Mineral Supplementation Increases the Rumen Microbe Population
Feeding minerals increases the rumen microbe population, which is critical to increasing forage digestion. the next chart shows cattle fed hay had only 39% of the microbial population of cattle fed a full supplement package while cattle fed minerals and vitamins had 69% of the rumen microbe population. Increased rumen microbe populations can lead to improved forage digestion, which leads to improved body condition scores.

What if Only Salt or Trace Mineralized Salt is Fed?
Salt or trace mineralized salt will not meet all the nutrient needs of cattle. Cattle need a balanced mineral (macro and trace) and vitamin program to maximize forage utilization and performance. The following chart shows the difference in nutrient digestion in cattle fed only salt compared to cattle fed a balanced mineral program.

Why Feed Protein to Cattle on Pasture?
Providing sufficient protein to cattle on pasture improves forage digestion. Protein is usually the first limiting nutrient for cattle fed low-quality forages. Protein is necessary for rumen microbes to digest fiber. Plus, protein is necessary for cattle growth and to replace the daily breakdown of body tissues, including muscle, blood, hair, and hooves. Insufficient dietary protein can cause body condition scores to decline, which can lead to:

• Reduced conception rates

• Lighter calves

• Poor health

• Reduced milking ability

When Should Cattle Receive Supplemental Protein?
Supplemental protein should be fed to grazing cattle when forages fail to provide enough protein to meet their nutrient needs. Protein requirements of cattle vary based on cow weight, stage of reproduction, and weather conditions. Forage protein levels also fluctuate greatly during the grazing season as evidenced in Figure 3. When forage protein is inadequate in meeting cow and rumen microbial requirements, body condition score will decline.

Research Demonstrates the Value of Feeding Supplemental Protein
Ninety-nine head of primarily Angus cattle weighing an average of 662 lb were fed supplemental protein in addition to mineral from May 25 – September 13 at the University of Nebraska–Scottsbluff High Plains Ag Lab. This trial (Table 1) demonstrates the value of feeding supplemental protein when forage protein (Figure 4) does not meet the needs of cattle.

Mintrate Block Advantages

•  Provides cattle with necessary protein, minerals, and vitamins

•  Contains only essential nutrients — no “fillers.”

•  Promotes maximum production of forage digesting rumen microbes which improves forage digestion and utilization.

•  More efficient forage utilization results in better average daily gains or better body condition scores.

•  Improves grazing patterns to maximize pasture utilization.

•  Low daily “free-choice” consumption for optimum performance with a
   lower cost per head per day.

•  33.3 lb blocks are versatile and easy to place at desired locations in the feeding environment.

•  Available medication options include Bovatec®* and Rumensin®* to enhance performance.

•  Different palatability options for different types of management and forage feeding situations.

*Not trademarks of ADM.

Why are Different Mintrate Blocks Available?
Differences in forage quality and quantity make it necessary to offer different palatability options to achieve desired intake. Table 2 provides a general Mintrate Block product usage guide.

Mintrate Blocks — Proven Results!
Alliance Nutrition™ research studies show the advantage of supplementing steers on winter pasture with Mintrate Blocks compared to a competitor’s block (Table 3).