Minerals are generally needed in very small quantities, yet they are critical for overall nutritional needs. A strong mineral and vitamin program is the backbone for an overall healthy and more efficient animal. Minerals are key for nutrient digestion, reproductive performance, an efficient immune system, and in the development of muscles, bones, and teeth. 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.
All of which can cost the producer thousands of dollars annually in reduced calf weights alone (this does not include poor cow and calf performance, increased feed consumption, and possible animal health issues related to mineral and vitamin deficiencies).
Studies indicate that feeding minerals to cattle increases the rumen microbe population, which in turn increases forage digestion. By promoting increased rumen microbe populations, improved forage digestion can result, which leads to improved body condition scores.
Phosphorus is the most expensive mineral in most supplements today. However, do not be intimidated by the cost of phosphorus in minerals. Phosphorus plays a key role in cellular growth and development (muscle and tissue), phospholipid development, for rumen microbial growth and cellular metabolism, and for bone and teeth formation. For example, a producer has a 100 cow herd, the benefit of providing phosphorus amounts to 9,957 pounds of extra weaned calf (i.e. with and without phosphorus supplementation, 97 calves x 461 lb minus 79 calves x 440 lb) per season. Assuming the cows would consume 36 lb of mineral per cow per year, and the mineral was fed year round. Assuming a price at $1.05/cwt. for calves, mineral feeding would have increased gross income by $10,455 (1.05 x 9,957) and the cows would have consumed 3,600 lb of mineral (1.6 tons). At this rate, the cost of the mineral could have been as high as $6,534/ton, and we would still break even. Even though phosphorus prices are on the rise, mineral supplements containing the highest amount of phosphorus are nowhere near this expensive.
The bottom line if a producer is to skimp on a mineral program, they may want to re-evaluate the associated profit loss. Minerals are necessary for the upmost efficient production and animal health, and the Kay Dee quality mineral lines ensure that livestock will receive the right amount of vitamins and minerals needed to maximize profit, while minimizing the cost of production.
Can you afford NOT to feed them?
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