Cattle are ruminants, meaning their digestive system allows them to use roughage (hay or grass) as a major source of protein. Furthermore, cattle require various other minerals for healthy growth and development.
To develop a cost-effective supplementation program, identify which nutrients are limiting productivity. Then, identify an equilibrium of supplements that will supply protein and energy to your cattle at the lowest possible expense.
Contents
High-Protein Soybean Meal
Soybean meal is a high-quality source of protein that’s abundant in lysine, methionine and threonine. With an even amino acid profile and competitive pricing compared to other sources, soybean meal offers excellent value for your money.
Soybean meal can be used in place of other protein sources in a swine diet. It offers an economical source of essential amino acids and can be supplemented at higher levels than other sources.
Dehulled Soybean Meal
Soybean meal is the most widely utilized protein source in livestock diets, as well as an essential amino acid source.
Dehulled soybean meal contains more lysine than conventional soybean meal due to the higher crude protein content of dehulled meal.
Corn Distillers Dried Grains
Corn distillers grains are by-products created when the starch portion of corn kernels is fermented into ethanol. With three times the nutritional value of regular corn, these grains offer excellent sources of protein, energy and fiber.
They make for an economical alternative to some of the more costly traditional energy (corn), protein (soybean meal) and phosphorus (mono or dicalcium phosphate) ingredients in animal diets. Furthermore, these supplements have numerous beneficial effects on livestock performance, health and product quality.
Cane Molasses
Cane molasses is an alternative to refined sugar. It has a lower glycemic index and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
It contains trace amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium that help promote bone health while decreasing the risk of chronic illnesses.
Additionally, it can be beneficial for those suffering from digestive issues like constipation. As a natural stool softener and help boost iron levels in the body, kelp can be extremely helpful.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is an abundant chemical compound, comprising more than four percent of Earth’s crust. It’s found in sedimentary rocks like limestone or chalk as well as metamorphic rock types like marble.
Animal husbandry often incorporates magnesium, which has the added benefit of strengthening the gastrointestinal system and stimulating lactation. Furthermore, agriculture can benefit from using it as a fertilizer to enrich underdeveloped soil.
Monocalcium Phosphate
Monocalcium Phosphate is an essential mineral that aids in the formation of strong bones and teeth. Additionally, it supports healthy metabolism and the immune system.
Calcium Oxide and Phosphoric Acid combine to create this popular additive in food products, often employed as a leavening agent in bakery items like breads, biscuits and cookies. It easily dissolves in water for easy dissolution and use.
Wheat Middlings
Wheat middlings are lightweight by-products of the wheat milling industry that provide protein, fiber and phosphorus. According to University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Kendra Graham, they’re easy for cattle to digest and weaning calves do well on them.
Midds typically contain 17% crude protein; 25% starch; 40% neutral detergent fiber and a trace amount of calcium. They’re generally safe to eat when fed the right amounts, producing little bloat or acidosis when properly balanced.
Lignin Sulfonate
Lignosulfonates are a class of polyaromatic lignin polymers with water-solubility and surfactant-like behavior. Sulfonic and carboxylic acid groups contribute hydrophilicity, while phenolic hydroxyl groups and counterions such as sodium, calcium or magnesium enhance dissociation in water [17,33].
Lignin sulfonates can be utilized to stabilize emulsions, including oil-in-water ones. Furthermore, they’re great for controlling dust on unpaved roads, eliminating environmental concerns and improving road stabilization.
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide is an iron salt available as a dietary supplement and used to treat various health issues.
This laxative can also be found in some over-the-counter antacids to help relieve heartburn and acid indigestion. Furthermore, it acts as a laxative, making it useful for temporary constipation before surgery or other situations.
Vitamin E Supplement
Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for brain and heart health as well as eye health and immune system function.
Vitamin K is found naturally in many foods such as meats, fish, vegetable oils and unsaturated vegetable oils. Additionally, it’s available as a dietary supplement.
