Two Rivers Coop

Boost Beef Production with Minerals

By Ashley Paddock, Beef Production Specialist

If you want to improve your cattle herd’s rate of gain and reproduction rates, take another look at your mineral supplementation program. Avoiding mineral deficiencies is especially important in the winter, when hay (rather than lush) and green grass provides much of your herd’s diet.

University research shows that the two symptoms of mineral deficiency often seen in beef cow herds are reduced milk production, which results in slower calf gains, and the failure of cows to breed regularly, which lowers the calf crop percentage.

Minerals that are required in relatively large amounts are called major or macro elements—these include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and sulfur. Minerals that are needed in small amounts are classified as micro, minor, or trace minerals—these include iron, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, cobalt, and selenium. However, these terms have no relationship to the metabolic importance of a mineral within the diet. A trace mineral can be as essential to the health and performance of an animal.

Let us help
In addition to watching for iron deficiencies, keep an eye out for zinc deficiencies, which can contribute to foot rot—especially in muddy environments. Since the proper balance between minerals is critical, count on Two Rivers Cooperative and Land O’Lakes to simplify the process. You can also log onto www.beeflinks.com for more tips.

If you have questions regarding mineral supplementation or other beef production issues, contact me at 641-780-1131 or via e-mail at AEPaddock@landolakes.com.

Editor’s note: Ashley joined Two Rivers Cooperative in July 2007 and helps formulate cattle rations, in addition to consulting on animal health practices. She grew up on a farm near Waltonville, IL, where her family raises registered Brangus cattle. After starting her own herd of registered Simmental cattle in high school, Ashley studied animal science at Southern Illinois University, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2007. She and her husband (who are expecting their first child in May of 2008) continue to operate a register Simmental herd in Illinois.

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