We’ve put together a list of seven trace minerals vital for cattle. Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy and productive herd. While major nutrients are important, trace minerals play a crucial role that ranchers often overlook. Cattle require several trace minerals that may be lacking in regional soils and forages. Ensuring your herd gets enough of these vital nutrients through supplementation is key to their overall well-being.
Here are seven vital trace minerals your cattle need:
- Cobalt: Essential for creating vitamin B-12, which stimulates appetite. Deficiencies are common in feeds from the Central, Northeast, and Southeast U.S. and can lead to a decreased appetite.
- Copper: Supports the immune system and hair pigmentation. Deficiencies, often seen in the upper Midwest and coastal regions, can cause health issues and hair discoloration.
- Iodine: Critical for maintaining a healthy metabolic rate. A deficiency, common in the northern “Goiter Belt,” can cause goiter.
- Iron: Necessary for preventing anemia and supporting growth. A shortage reduces gain rates and is especially critical for young, growing animals.
- Manganese: Plays a role in growth and may help prevent liver abscesses. Corn-based diets are often low in this mineral.
- Selenium: Acts as a metabolic antioxidant. A deficiency can lead to stiffness and white muscle disease.
- Zinc: Supports feed intake, growth rate, and wound healing. Deficiencies can cause skin problems (parakeratosis) and increase foot rot incidence.
Geographic location significantly impacts the mineral content of your forage. Supplementing your feed program ensures your cattle receive the right balance for optimal health and performance, no matter where your pastures are. Visit Steinhauser’s to find the right mineral supplements for your herd’s needs.