Is your herd benefiting from the minerals and vitamins they need
Minerals and vitamins account for a very small proportion of daily dry matter intake in livestock diets and can sometimes be overlooked in a herd nutritional program. They are very important in nutritional programs for proper animal function, such as bone development, immune function, muscle contractions and nervous system function. Growth and reproductive performance can be compromised if a good mineral program is not in place.
Macrominerals and Microminerals
Required minerals are classified as either macrominerals (major minerals) or microminerals (trace minerals). Macrominerals are required in larger quantities than microminerals.
Macominerals include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and sulfur. Microminerals include chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc.
Minerals interact with each other in the body and the many interactions can result in mineral elements tying up or making other mineral elements unavailable for essential body functions. In practical nutrition programs, the interaction between calcium and phosphorus is the classic example of two minerals that affect the required levels of each other in the diet. Calcium and phosphorus recommendations are commonly expressed as a ratio (Ca:P) of calcium to phosphorus.
Interpreting Mineral and Vitamin Tags
Though the amount of information on a mineral and vitamin supplement tag may seem overwhelming at first, the tag contains valuable information about a mineral mix. There are several common sections on most mineral tags.
Product Name: When a single number is present in the product name, the number represents the phosphorus content. For example, “Pro 8” would contain 8 percent phosphorus. When two numbers are present in the name, the first number typically represents the calcium content, while the second number represents the phosphorus content. In most cases, if the calcium to phosphorus ration is higher than 3:1, cattle will have to eat an excessive amount to get the phosphorus they need. Phosphorus is usually the most expensive component of a mineral supplement. Instead of purchasing a supplement based on the price alone, try to buy a reasonably priced supplement that provides adequate levels of phosphorus and other important minerals.
Approved animals: This indicates the species and classes of livestock for which the product is intended.
Drug Claim: Some labels describe the purpose of any drugs in the product. Consider whether or not the drug is needed and if it is the right time of year to use it.
Active drug ingredient statement: This tells the name of the drug and the level added to the product.
Guaranteed analysis: This lists the amounts of individual minerals and vitamins in the supplements. These levels can be compared to animal requirements to determine if the product matches up well with the animal needs. Remember that the percentage or amounts of minerals and vitamins listed on a supplement tag indicated the quantities in the supplements. Make sure the mineral supplement contains enough macrominerals, trace minerals and vitamins A and E.
Ingredients: This lists product ingredients in order from highest to lowest amounts. Look for specific ingredients. For instance, copper oxide is not an ideal copper source, but copper sulfate and copper chloride are typically better sources for copper supplementation.
Feeding Directions: This lists expected intake, feeding instructions, and the length of any required withdrawal times for specific livestock classes.
Caution: This warning indicates potential problems, such as feeding an ionophore to horse, a high copper to sheep, or selenium levels over legal limits.
One mineral and vitamin supplement formulation may not be ideal year-round. Mineral and vitamin supplements can be used to deliver beneficial drugs, antibiotics, and parasite control ingredients to diets. Adding these products may increase the price of the mineral and vitamin supplement. Mineral and vitamin composition of supplements should also be adjusted for forage conditions. For example, increasing magnesium is justified during grass tetany season but should be reduced during other periods to match nutrient needs better and avoid unnecessary reductions in supplement palatability often associated with high levels of magnesium.
Many mineral supplements cake and harden when allowed to get wet, causing mineral intake to drop. Magnesium supplements are particularly prone to this problem. Using covered feeders that protect from rain can help minimize mineral hardening. There are commercial mineral mixes available that are advertised to reduce rain damage and wind losses. Selection of a supplement should consider mineral and vitamin composition and price of the supplement as first priorities over weather protection. It is a good idea to check the mineral and vitamin supplement supply at least weekly. Break up hardened mineral as much as possible. Checking the mineral supply on a regular basis is also important in monitoring consumption and making sure livestock do not run out.
Appropriate intake of key minerals and vitamins is essential for animal productivity and health. There are many different commercially available mineral and vitamin supplements that are marketed to producers. Custom blends of minerals and vitamins are another option for mineral and vitamin supplementation. You can check with your local extension office, feed representative, or veterinarian on the best mineral and supplement for your livestock.
