Supplements are Key to Healthy Cattle

August 8, 2022

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Mineral supplementation is key for cattle on pasture.

For cow/calf producers, opening the gates to greener pastures this spring will be a welcome relief after the harsh winter feeding routine. However, it will be critical that this year’s grazing plan includes a mineral supplementation program to meet the nutritional needs of a healthy herd.

Heading into the 2022 grazing season, many areas of Western Canada are in a severe soil moisture deficit due to the unprecedented and widespread drought experienced in 2021. Drought stress on forage will impact the amount of minerals and vitamins it can supply to the animals.

Compounding this, cows have higher nutrient, mineral and vitamin needs early in the grazing season, as their bodies work to meet the needs of the calf at side while also preparing for the breeding season to come. Many cows will also be coming off a poorer quality winter feeding program than usual, so their reserves are going to be lower. More than likely, the forages in the field are not going to meet the needs of a healthy cow herd this spring, and they will need extra nutritional support.

Plan to Supplement Minerals on Pasture

“A mineral program should be available to a cow year-round. It should not stop when they go off to pasture, even in a good year, but especially when we are in drought or stressed pasture conditions,” said Skylar Dickson, Feed Team member at Pioneer Co-op in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. “This season, producers need to look at fortifying their supplement programs a bit more. The key to supporting animal health during grazing is to be adaptable, and ensure any mineral program complements the nutrients available in forages to meet the cow’s needs.”

According to Dickson, mineral programs for the cow herd are never “one-size-fits-all.” Nutritional requirements change throughout the grazing season. Choosing a mineral product that adequately meets the needs of the cow will depend heavily on what forages are available, the soil zone, stage of growth and growing conditions.

Minerals are commonly misunderstood because they are typically required in much smaller quantities than other nutrients. However, they play a major role in many biological functions, from reproduction to nutrient absorption. They participate in all aspects of the animal’s metabolism, growth, reproduction, immunity and health. They also help mobilize the other nutrients cattle consume and, therefore, play an integral role in return on investment in your feed and pasture programs.

Designing Your Supplement Program for Success

Cattle rely on eleven minerals and three vitamins, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and salt or sodium chloride and trace minerals (cobalt, copper, iodine, selenium, manganese and zinc). These minerals and vitamins are essential nutrients for cattle. “The best way to ensure cows’ nutrition needs are met is to provide access to mineral products all year round, including during summer grazing. Pasture forage vitamin and mineral content changes throughout the growing season and may be inadequate to support production, particularly in later stages of growth, or if stressed (i.e. high temperatures or low rainfall). Offering free choice access to minerals continually is easy insurance to avoid deficiencies. Encouraging mineral intake is also important; Co-op Summer Ranger Mineral with garlic flavour is a palatable option ideal for summer pasture grazing.