Organic mineral sources represent another option for producers to supply minerals to their cowherds. Research suggests that some organic mineral sources are indeed more bioavailable; however, production responses to supplementation have been extremely variable. Positive responses to organic mineral supplementation are most likely, although not guaranteed, during stressful periods in the production cycle (i.e., calving and weaning) or when mineral antagonists (i.e., sulfur, molybdenum, iron, or aluminum) are present in large amounts. In these situations, producers should objectively weigh any expected benefit to animal performance against the added cost of including organic minerals in their supplementation program. If there is currently no problem with any production measure (i.e., reproduction, health, or weight gain), it is highly unlikely that there will be any benefit from feeding organic mineral sources.
These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution
Welcome
eXtension is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.
Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts
Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts
Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.
This resource area was created by the: Beef Cattle community
Resource Area Feeds
In This Resource Area
Cattle Facts:
Beef Tips:
- Reproduction
- Breeding and Genetics
- Herd Health
- Management
- Nutrition
- Pastures and Forages
Glossary: