On the other hand, overconsumption can occur when a mineral isn’t well-balanced. One example is a phosphorus imbalance. Because phosphorus is an expensive mineral ingredient, it’s common to see minerals with a lower phosphorus level. However, cows crave phosphorus and will overconsume it until they are satisfied.

A palatable, balanced mineral can help cattle consume at target intake levels. Finding the right mineral can take a small time investment, but one that’s worth it.

You can also control mineral consumption through management. If cattle are under-consuming, place mineral feeders or tubs closer to loafing areas and water sources. If cattle are overconsuming, move mineral sources further away from these areas.

Myth: My herd is too small or large to control intake

Small herds often mean smaller, confined pastures. In these situations, cattle may eat mineral out of boredom and could overconsume. It can be helpful to evaluate different mineral forms. For instance, you may look at using a cooked tub mineral instead of a loose mineral to help control intake.

Large herds often mean more spacious pastures. If pastures are too large and mineral sources are limited, cattle may not encounter mineral sources on a regular basis. It’s important to use the appropriate number of mineral feeders for the number of cattle. One feeder for every 20 to 30 head is ideal.

Myth: We don’t need mineral in our area

You might think you don’t need mineral because you have great grass quality, but remember grass quality can change drastically from month-to-month and year-to-year. As grass dries down, mineral levels can shift dramatically. Grass also becomes higher in lignin as it dries down, and mineral availability decreases.

Just because you don’t see any signs of mineral deficiency doesn’t mean it’s not there. Typically, trace mineral deficiencies don’t cause visible signs in cattle. However, unseen signs such as poor calf immunity, reduced weight gain, and lower reproductive efficiency can have a large impact on your herd’s productivity and profitability.

It’s also important to remember that a forage test showing you’re meeting basic mineral recommendations does not mean you’re meeting cattle mineral requirements. Recommendations and requirements are two different things – it’s important to meet requirements.

The right cattle mineral hits two birds with one stone

Providing a mineral supplement not only ensures you’re doing what’s best for your cattle, but it can also deliver added convenience benefits. USDA research has shown that 82 percent of cow/calf producers use fly control, but only 14.5 percent of those producers are taking advantage of a feed-through form.⁵