Cattle Nutrition Archives - American Cattlemen

The Need for Feed Supplements

By Maura Keller

Though the need for supplemental minerals has long been understood, it historically has been relegated to the meteorological fall through winter season when good grass forage isn’t available. As grass comes up in the spring, producers begin pulling cattle off mineral supplements. But as Brad Thornberg, the President of SweetPro explains, this conventional practice is now undergoing a reevaluation.

“Producers are becoming increasingly aware of the beneficial impact year-round mineral supplementation has for improving cattle health and breeding performance,” Thornberg says. “Supplements help fill in gaps where important minerals are missing, even in good forage. This plays an important part in improving breedback/preg rates and supporting the calf in reaching its full genetic performance potential.”

Of course, not all mineral supplements perform the same. There is a significant difference in types of mineral, delivery systems and bio-availability to the animal.

SweetPro Feeds has a range of bio-available vitamin and mineral supplements that match the condition of forages consumed. As Thornberg explains, they are designed to support cleaning and breedback while improving forage-feed efficiency, energy, gain and overall herd health. SweetPro also offers products for backgrounding and feedlot operations. SweetPro minerals are available in solid no-molasses, DDGS-based blocks and the loose form MINEX. The blocks are built for even delivery to the entire herd as boss cattle do not “camp” on the products. All SweetPro supplements come with high omega3 and the postbiotic and multi-prebiotic yeast culture, ProBiotein^® to support rumen health.

Tim Starbuck, membership manager at Ruma-Lic Animal Products & Ruma-Lic Farms, adds that over the years, the supplements and mineral industry has evolved from simply addressing basic nutritional needs to offering highly specialized solutions.

“Initially, the focus was on broad-spectrum supplements, but now we’re seeing a shift toward precision nutrition. Supplements and minerals are crucial for maintaining optimal cattle health and productivity. They help address specific nutritional gaps that can affect growth, reproduction and immune function. Investing in the right products is essential because it ensures that cattle get balanced nutrition, which translates to improved feed efficiency and better overall performance,” Starbuck says. “From my perspective, this investment pays off by enhancing herd health and boosting productivity, ultimately leading to greater profitability for producers. It’s about making informed choices that support the long-term success of their operations.”

At Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed Liquid Feed and Ruma-Zyme Probiotics +, they’ve pioneered this shift by developing targeted formulations of proteins, fats and advanced enzyme technologies. As Starbuck explains, these innovations allow them to tailor supplements to the specific needs of each herd, enhancing feed efficiency and overall cattle health. This evolution reflects a broader trend towards personalized nutrition, which helps cattlemen achieve better performance and productivity.

Specifically, Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed specializes in advanced feed formulations that are customized to support specific herd requirements, enhancing both health and performance. Meanwhile, Ruma-Zyme Probiotics + provides eight beneficial species of bacteria and cutting-edge enzyme products that improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

“Our program is designed to help ranchers achieve optimal feed utilization, better growth rates, and enhanced reproductive success,” Starbuck says. “Our products are the result of rigorous research and are tailored to provide the best possible outcomes for each unique herd.”

According to Matt Luebbe, as a representative of NEMO Feed, many of the advances made in the supplement and mineral industry have evolved because of a better understanding of nutrient requirements.

“Public and private research has identified the need for supplementing nutrients based on the rations fed or region cattle are located,” Luebbe says. “By determining the gaps or missing nutrients in a specific ration we can now customize supplements or mineral packages for an individual farm or ranch based on the resources they have for a base ration.” Luebbe adds that technology used by feed manufacturers has improved the efficiency of production to build custom feeds for producers.

“Hand-calculations and phone calls were replaced by improved means of communication and feed balancing programs to expedite the process,” Luebbe says. “This technology is very useful but only as good as our understanding of the fundamental requirements and principles of nutrition. Computer programs do not understand biology, so the nutritionist needs to use the program along with experience.”

NEMO Feed is an independent, full-service feed manufacturer that provides nutrition and feed services to the Midwest. The company offers a full line of non-GMO multi-species feed, with the commitment to provide products and programs that promote more profitability to your operations. Products that manipulate nutrient use in the animal are rigorously evaluated prior to release into the marketplace. These value-added products are offered by NEMO using a state-of-the-art micro nutrient machine system to assist with specific supplement formulation.

Exploring Latest Advancements
The traditional way of feeding supplements has been with molasses as a mineral carrier/binder. However, the understanding of gut health has led to supplementation that does not contain simple sugars from molasses, but are rather designed to support rumen bacteria with complex carbohydrates and prebiotic fiber.

“The addition of yeast cultures has boosted cattle immune systems,” Thornberg says. “MOS and ß-glucan from the yeast cell wall help remove pathogens, while other prebiotic fibers from the yeast growth media support important rumen and lower-gut bacteria. In another development, support for weaning, heat and transportation stress has led to the use of natural anti-stress blend additives in supplements. Garlic too has found a place in the fight against flies, ticks and lice alongside feed-through IGR.”

One of the exciting advancements Starbuck is seeing is the development of precision probiotics and enzyme products with enhanced efficacy. For instance, Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed has introduced new probiotic formulations designed to optimize gut health and nutrient absorption specifically within the small intestines. Additionally, Ruma-Zyme Probiotics + has launched innovative enzyme products that significantly improve the breakdown of complex feed components, enhancing digestibility and overall nutrient uptake.

“We’re also utilizing data analytics to fine-tune these formulations based on real-time herd health data. These advancements are helping ranchers achieve unprecedented levels of productivity and efficiency in their operations,” Starbuck says.

Identifying the Ideal Solution
So, how can producers determine the best supplement and minerals that are ideal for their herds? Thornberg says forage sampling is a good indication of the current condition of pastures and what nutrients and minerals are needed. There are many factors that the producer needs to take into account.

“Chiefly, are they getting their money’s worth? Is the mineral available to the body and will it meet that animal’s needs in their current forage conditions?,” Thornberg says. “Cattle age is also a factor, as young developing calves and heifers will need a more accessible product than mature cattle.”

For Starbuck, determining the best supplements and minerals involves a comprehensive approach. He says producers should start with a thorough nutritional assessment, which includes analyzing forage quality and feed composition. Working with a livestock nutritionist can also provide valuable insights into specific needs.

“Additionally, using diagnostic tools and monitoring herd performance can highlight areas where supplementation is needed. By combining these methods, producers can select products that precisely match their herd’s nutritional requirements, leading to improved health and productivity,” Starbuck says.

Luebbe points out that the cost of production or the return on investment for producers is a very tight margin and constantly evaluated. Well managed operations look at many of the costs associated with supplementation on a cents per hd/day basis in addition to their return on investment.

“For crop production, farmers are using GPS to apply fertilizer or other products based on requirements for each row, or even a portion of the row,” Luebbe says. “We do not have the ability to individually feed each animal based on their specific requirements but still can tailor what is fed to each pen for most animals and remain profitable. The ‘one-size fits all’ mentality was used far too often for beef production in the past.’”

Continuous Improvements
The future of mineral supplementation is evolving towards use throughout the year, not just the fall and winter months. According to Thornberg, supplement products will target cattle gut health, the microbiome of the rumen and the lower gut tract, to support the reduction of antibiotic use.

“While the initial costs of year-round supplementation are higher, the boost in animal performance in all areas, from feed efficiency to fertility creates a greater return for the producer,” Thornberg says. “Nutrients from stools worked into the soil by dung beetles will increasingly improve the fertility of the pastures. The land is then benefited from enhanced feed efficiency. All stakeholders, producers, land managers and consumers benefit from these advancements in cattle health.”

Starbuck is optimistic about the future of supplements and minerals in the cattle industry. He says the industry is on the threshold of even more personalized and data-driven solutions that will revolutionize how we approach cattle nutrition.

“I foresee genetic advancement and data analytics leading to even more precise supplement formulations that enhance feed efficiency and overall health,” Starbuck says. “Furthermore, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, which will drive the development of environmentally friendly products. Overall, these innovations will significantly boost productivity, improve digestion, and support the long-term health and success of cattle operations.”

Managing Micro-nutrients for Comprehensive Herd Health

By Jaclyn Krymowski

Maintaining adequate nutrition for trace minerals and vitamins can be a challenge whether you feed a finishing diet heavy on grains or use a forage-based system for a cow calf herd.

Whenever a complete diet is formulated, micronutrients – vitamins and minerals – must be assessed. While levels and amounts are a consideration, so are the animal’s stage of production and overall health risks. High quality forages and grains may meet the majority of an animal’s needs, however there are several nutrients that may be insufficient due to the soil and ecosystem of a particular region in which the crop was grown.

Toxicity or deficiency of these nutrients can’t be accounted for with the naked eye. Usually, they are discovered when clinical symptoms develop. Often, a myriad of health issues are expressed, with root causes that are difficult to diagnose. Because of this, it is crucial to go the extra mile to formulate the ration correctly right out the gate.

Vitamins, Minerals and their Functionality
Both vitamins and minerals, in trace and macro amounts, are equally important for maintaining a healthy state and normal functions for the cattle. Even if you work with a qualified nutritionist, it is important to have an elementary understanding of the basics and how vitamins and minerals impact animal health.

Age, size, sex and role in the herd are just a few factors that dictate requirements. For cost effectiveness, a trace blend covering a broad spectrum of nutrients formulated for specific groups, such as pregnant cows or feeder animals, is a good place to start.
The macrominerals are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine and sulfur. Minerals in trace amounts include iron, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, cobalt and selenium.

Both sodium and chlorine (salt) play vital roles as well. A deficiency of these elements causes loss of appetite and inefficient weight gains or loss of body weight. Sodium is commonly deficient in diets, but chlorine levels are usually adequate, University of Georgia Professor and Extension Coordinator, Lawton Stewart writes in his bulletin Mineral Supplements for Beef Cattle.
“Magnesium is essential for proper enzyme and nervous system function and for efficient carbohydrate metabolism,” writes Stewart. “Potassium functions in acid-base balance, osmotic pressure and the amount of water retained in the body. Grasses, particularly early lush spring growth, contain adequate amounts of potassium for grazing cattle and supplementation is rarely needed.”

Calcium and phosphorus are the major mineral components of the skeleton, along with playing an important role in other bodily functions.

Sulfur is a part of the essential amino acids methionine and cystine, and is more likely to be in excess, which interferes with copper metabolism.

Selenium deficiency can cause calves to be weak at birth and increases their susceptibility to diseases. Because it is found in the soil, content will vary by region. Because it can be toxic in very small amounts, it is critical to know selenium content that is common for your region and what is being supplied in the diet before offering any additional supplementation.

“Zinc is a component of many enzymes and is important for immunity, male reproduction, and skin and hoof health. Cattle have a limited ability to store zinc and supplementation is always necessary. Zinc absorption is closely tied to copper absorption,” writes Stewart.

Nutrient Vitality
The manner in which micronutrients are fed and normally consumed in the diet impact absorption and availability.
In the Ohio State University publication Mineral Interactions and Supplementation for Beef Cows, the authors cite:
“While supplemental energy and protein may not be needed, it is generally recommended to provide supplemental minerals and vitamins. They have less impact than protein and energy on cow/calf performance and economics, but they should not be overlooked. While supplementation is important, over supplementation of minerals should be avoided to prevent possible environmental problems associated with runoff from waste or application of cattle waste to soil (e.g. phosphorus). Certain minerals can actually be toxic if supplemented in excessive amounts.”

If a trace mineral deficiency is suspected, an evaluation based on average cow body condition score should be conducted and decreases in reproductive performance and/or immune function evaluated. These are a result of energy and/or protein deficiencies rather than trace mineral deficiencies.

Remember that deficiency can vary from animal to animal depending on age and stage of lactation. For example, during lactation, low amounts of either calcium or phosphorus will often reduce milk production.

Stewart stresses that, “A superior milking cow requires three times more calcium than a non-lactating cow.”

There are various applications and ways to provide additional vitamins and minerals and ranchers should strive to find one that is appropriate yet still efficient and cost effective.

As well, dietary supplementation must be consistent for it to work. Supplements must be easy to feed and maintain and amounts may vary depending on season. For example, you may need to feed extra magnesium in the spring to avoid grass tetany.

Commercial mineral supplements are formulated to meet the majority of dietary needs through predetermined amounts of each mineral and then produced in mass quantities to enable consistency. Because they are produced in mass, they are also less expensive.

There are three potential options for supplying minerals to the herd.You can mix minerals into a complete ration, add them to a supplemental feed, or use free-choice mixtures.

Not all modes of supplementation are created equally. If not contained and managed properly, loose, free-choice mineral blends may blow away or brick up with moisture causing waste and insufficient consumption.

Certain block products might be over- or under-palatable causing animals to eat too much, too fast or not enough.
University of Missouri beef specialist Eric Bailey notes in his bulletin Mineral Supplements for Beef Cattle, that adding minerals to a supplemental feed ignores minerals supplied by the forage. Therefore, it is crucial to know the level of intake of the supplement for it to be successful.

The management of freestanding mineral feeders should be considered thoroughly. This includes placement, type of feeder, and number of feeders. Provide one mineral feeder for every 30-50 cows. It is best to place mineral feeders near water, in shaded loafing areas and close to the best grazing areas. A good feeder should be portable and keep minerals dry.

The pivotal role of minerals and vitamins, whether macro or micro by nature, in maintaining the overall health of cattle cannot be overstated. From hoof to poll and from nose to tail, these essential nutrients contribute significantly to the well-being and productivity of the livestock, and thus your bottom line.