Mineral Supplements
Based on the evidence supporting mineral supplementation, it's
easy to conclude that cattle can be more productive when provided
with a supplemental source of minerals. Determining the best
mineral product to use is not always so obvious. Product labels
can provide some insight as to the source of various minerals used
in the product. Experimental studies show the source of a mineral
can impact mineral availability to rumen microbes and the animal.
Another factor that impacts availability, yet cannot always be
determined from the label, is mineral interaction. Too much or too
little of one mineral can impact availability of another mineral;
hence, the importance of proper product formulation. Weatherizing
of mineral products also impacts mineral availability by reducing
losses due to wind, rain, and snow. Manufacturing expertise in the
form of processing can minimize separation of the various minerals
in the feeder, resulting in more balanced mineral intake. For
optimum production responses, choosing the best mineral product
should go beyond a quick glance at the label.
Research
A study
involving 611 steers grazing wheat pasture illustrates the
production responses to different mineral supplements (Table
1). Steers were split into three groups and provided a mineral
supplement (No. 646 MoorMan'sŪ Range A Minerals (now with
WeatherMasterŪ), Brand X, or Brand
Y). Every six days, steers were rotated among the three pastures
with mineral feeders being moved with the steers. After 92 days on
wheat pasture, steers were weighed and placed in a feedlot in the
same treatment groups so that finishing performance could be
obtained. Steers supplemented with No. 646 MoorMan'sŪ Special Range A
Minerals weighed at least 18 lb/hd more than steers fed Brand X or
Y, and gained approximately 0.2 lb/hd/day more during the grazing
phase of the study. During the finishing phase, ADG was highest
for steers supplemented with No. 646 MoorMan'sŪ Special Range A
Minerals while on pasture. Feed efficiency and treatment cost did
not differ among treatments during the finishing phase. Combined
performance resulted in a 40 lb/hd weight advantage for No. 646
MoorMan'sŪ Special Range A Minerals, which resulted in an increased
value of $24.80/steer ($0.62/lb for finished cattle).
Conclusion
Mineral
supplements are not all the same. Real differences among mineral
products do exist. High-quality mineral products provide an
economic advantage that carries over into the finishing phase.
MoorMan's Range Minerals with WeatherMaster are designed to minimize losses associated with
weather and are formulated to meet cattle requirements for optimum
production while minimizing the effects of mineral interactions.
