Page 9 - MWC 08-5-2021s

The Midwest Cattleman · August 5, 2021 · P9
Summer Mineral Nutrition

By Paul Beck
Mineral nutrition is com- even when the mineral costs
plex, with different macro more!
minerals (required as per- •One of the first visible
centage of diet) and micro symptoms of a copper defi-
minerals (required in ppm of ciency is a dulling of the hair
diet) that are of concern. Our coat, but deficiencies have
forages also do not stay the probably already affected im-
same in mineral composition mune function and growth
throughout the year and dif- before this sign shows up.
fer by region of the state. In •Research shows zinc sup-
addition, cattle in different plementation improves hoof
stages of production have dif- and eye health.
ferent minerals that we need Native range pastures are
to keep in mind. often deficient in sodium,
Minerals that we most calcium, phosphorus, magne-
often have issues with in- sium, cobalt, copper, and zinc rus can be included at lower able that recommend 2 ounce
clude sodium (provided by for both growing stockers levels. per day consumption, but
salt), calcium, phosphorus, and cows. A 12% calcium 6% •Red salt blocks (or many require 4-ounce con-
magnesium, cobalt, copper, phosphorus mineral mixture trace-mineralized salt) are sumption. Monitor mineral
and zinc. Minerals are in- providing highly available not good sources of micro consumption to ensure ade-
volved in all aspects of the micro minerals works well minerals and usually do not quate intake.
animal’s life. Calcium, phos- for growing stocker calves. provide sufficient mineral
phorus, and copper are im- Cows need a 12% calcium, concentrations or quality to Drovers
portant for bone strength 12% phosphorus mineral to meet cattle’s needs.
and development. Calcium meet requirements. •Watch the suggested con-
and magnesium are essential In well-managed bermu- sumption of minerals fed.
in nerve and muscle function. dagrass pastures, phospho- Mineral mixtures are avail-
Phosphorus has roles in en- rus is often only marginally
ergy metabolism, cell mem- deficient or adequate, but
brane structure, and rumen calcium can be variable, INSECT-A-SOCK...
microbe growth and function. ranging from deficient to ade- REDUCE FLIES, LICE, TICKS, MOSQUITOES
Cobalt, copper, and zinc have quate. Zinc is often sufficient USA PATENT #8,353,260
roles in immune function. in bermudagrass. In Eastern
Deficiencies of phosphorus, Oklahoma, highly weathered
copper, and zinc result in re- soils with low pH and miner-
duced fertility. al antagonists (molybdenum
•Salt is always deficient in is a primary culprit) often
forage-based diets. results in copper deficiency.
•Calcium should be at a For growing stocker calves
1:1 to 3:1 ratio with phospho- and lactating cows, miner-
rus, but 7:1 can be tolerated. als should provide salt (18
•Phosphorus is one of the to 20%), calcium (12%), and
more expensive ingredients trace minerals from high-
in mineral mixtures. It is im- ly available sources such as
portant not to short on this copper sulfate (copper oxide
mineral when it is needed is not digestible). Phospho-

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ditions both for the remain- the remainder of 2021 and
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