Farm Talk

Livestock

July 27, 2010

Mineral purchases based on tradition rather than nutrition

CNHI

Parson, Kansas — It is not very often that a cattle producer calls an MU Extension office with a mineral question after taking the time and money to test the mineral content of his pasture.

But when that does happen, Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension, says it is a lot easier to accurately answer producer’s questions.

“I see all types of mineral supplements being fed and most mineral purchases are based on tradition rather than nutritional need,” said Cole. “But with this caller, the lab revealed that his fescue and clover pasture had adequate levels of the major minerals, calcium and phosphorus for most classes of breeding cattle.”

Cole said there were even adequate amounts present for stocker steers and heifers that were weighing 400 to 700 pounds and gaining 1.5 to two pounds per day.

“There is a lot of concern over trace or minor minerals but in this farmer’s situation a basic trace mineral should meet his cattle’s supplement needs. Of course adequate availability of pasture is needed to meet those needs,” said Cole.

The three trace minerals that are borderline in southwest Missouri forages normally are copper, zinc and selenium.

“The lab results on the fescue-clover pasture showed a copper level of nine parts per million (ppm) and the recommended level is 10 ppm. Zinc levels in the forage were 34 ppm with 30 ppm being the recommended level for both breeding and stocker cattle,” said Cole.

Since Selenium was not detectable in the fescue-clover sample it would be best to use a selenium-containing supplement.

“Most mineral supplements contain some selenium and should cover any deficiency that might be in the forage. The selenium requirement for all classes of cattle is 0.10 ppm. The maximum tolerable level is two ppm,” said Cole.

The other minerals analyzed by the lab included magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron and manganese. They were all within the acceptable level range.

According to Cole, mineral levels can fluctuate depending on the growing season.

“Maintaining legumes in a grass pasture improves the forage mineral profile as does proper grazing management so mature forage is not being consumed. In these cases it is possible only salt may be necessary as supplement,” said Cole.

Since the mineral analysis expense at the lab runs more than a routine energy-protein test ($18 vs. $45), few samples of forage mineral content come through an extension office.

“However, if you wish to check out the mineral content of your forages, check with your nearest extension livestock specialist. The results could save money in the long run,” said Cole.

For more information, contact any of the MU Extension livestock specialists in southwest Missouri: Eldon Cole in Mt. Vernon, 417-466-3102 or Dona Goede in Cedar County, 417-276-3313.

Text Only
Livestock
  • Specialist offers tips on buying bulls

    Cow-calf producers, it is time to start looking at purchasing the next herd sire. Understanding all segments of the beef cattle industry your calves will pass through is important in selecting the next herd sire

    February 7, 2012

  • War of attrition continues in the beef business

    Cattle prices are at record high levels and will push even higher in 2012 and beyond. Retail beef prices are increasing and will push higher but it is uncertain how much and how fast.

    February 7, 2012

  • Homework pays off when shopping for bulls

    It is important for cow-calf producers to look in to the future five or more years to imagine what they will be doing with the cattle they produce. Will they be producing a feeder calf sold right off the cow? Will they be retaining ownership on the calf through to slaughter? Will they be selling seedstock either purebred or commercial?

    January 31, 2012

  • Cow-pieology 101: The straight poop on cattle nutrition

    Cow pies serve an important purpose: they’re an indicator of bovine health and hay quality. A quick look at a fresh cow pie gives the trained observer a good idea of a cow’s diet and general health.

    January 24, 2012

  • Improved breeding helps meet demand for high quality beef

    With better genetics, Missouri beef producers can help supply the growing demand for high-quality beef according to MU specialist.

    January 24, 2012

  • Uniformity a worthy goal in cattle herds

    There’s no doubt when it’s time to market cattle, a uniform set of calves, stockers, finished cattle or bred heifers attract more buyer interes.

    January 17, 2012

  • dave_lalman_13_fixed.jpg Specialist discusses limit-feeding hay

    Limit-feeding hay, reducing hay waste and feeding an ionophore can decrease winter hay needs by a third.

    January 17, 2012 1 Photo

  • Specialist discusses limit-feeding hay

    Limit-feeding hay, reducing hay waste and feeding an ionophore can decrease winter hay needs by a third.

    January 17, 2012

  • Pondering the cattle price climb

    The question isn’t whether or not cattle prices will climb higher in 2012.
    The question is, how high will they go?

    January 17, 2012

  • Don’t let salmonella sneak in the herd

    The clinical signs of Salmonella are easy to identify —sudden weight loss, weakness, fever, diarrhea and dehydration. While these symptoms signal clinical Salmonella on your dairy, they are only the tip of the iceberg.

    January 10, 2012