Minerals are an expensive but essential part of livestock’s diet. Don’t let mineral waste increase your costs!
To guarantee your cattle receive the proper amount of mineral, you need a feeder that caters to their requirements. The ideal mineral feeder should be easy to use and transport from pasture to pasture with ease.
Contents
1. Size and Capacity
When selecting a mineral feeder for cattle, size matters. Make sure it can accommodate both your number of animals and their required amounts of minerals. Furthermore, take into account which type of minerals it dispensates; there are various varieties available.
A reliable mineral feeder will supply your cattle with essential nutrients to stay healthy and produce milk. Not only does this supplement increase production, but it also prevents them from getting sick or lacking energy.
It will also keep them nourished and protected from the weather. A top-notch mineral feeder can ensure your cattle remain secure and nourished even during extreme weather conditions.
The ideal mineral feeder for livestock should have the capacity to store the required amount of minerals, be user-friendly, durable and effective, as well as being affordable.
2. Type of Minerals
Cattle require a variety of minerals to stay healthy and perform at their best. You can provide your cattle with these essential elements through the best mineral feeders available.
When selecting a mineral feeder for your livestock, the type of minerals it dispenses and its delivery system are key factors to consider. Furthermore, make sure the feeder is large enough and with sufficient capacity to meet all your cattle’s requirements.
When grazing lush spring grass, it is essential to select a mineral with high magnesium content. Doing so can help avoid grass tetany – an issue common in this region.
Loose mineral products can be useful, but for a less time-consuming and weatherproof solution to providing minerals to your livestock, we suggest giving tubs a try.
3. Delivery System
Mineral feeders come in a range of delivery systems. Some are tubs, some are loose, some feature a rubber flap and others look like traditional feeders.
Megan Van Schaik, Beef Cattle Specialist with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), believes that for cattle, the ideal mineral feeder should provide them with access to various minerals while minimizing their risk for deficiency in the herd.
Feeders should be placed near loafing areas, water sources and shade to encourage cattle to choose those areas. Once cattle start taking advantage of the mineral in those spots, you can move the mineral sites further out in the pasture.
Loose mineral products tend to be weatherproof, meaning they won’t rust and won’t get affected by rain or snow. However, if the chemical bonds of these minerals have weak points, they may not hold as strongly against water damage and thus be vulnerable when wetted down.
4. Ease of Use
Ease of use is an important consideration when selecting the ideal mineral feeder for cattle. If your cattle find it difficult to use, chances are they won’t use it as often as they should be.
The primary reason livestock do not consume minerals is due to their inaccessibility. This is especially true for young calves and yearlings who may not be able to reach the bottom and middle of mineral feeders.
Fortunately, many mineral products available for cattle feed are designed with easy accessibility in mind and can be placed near water, shaded loafing areas and grazing locations where cows will likely eat them. These minerals come loose or in tubs, weatherized so that rain won’t brick up the product, reducing shrinkage when wetted.
