Ask The Vet

By Dr. Ken McMillan
DTN/The Progressive Farmer Contributing Editor

Question:

In a previous column on fly control, you mentioned if you use fly-control minerals, you must remove all other types of minerals. Why is this? Does this also apply to "high-magnesium" minerals?

Answer:

Salt is what drives animals to consume minerals. Cattle will consume about 0.1 pounds of salt per 100 pounds of body weight each day. All mineral supplements are formulated to deliver the proper amount of each mineral and any other medication (for example: insect growth regulators [IGRs], Rabon, antibiotics, ionophores) based on this level of salt consumption.

If other sources of salt are available as a salt block, loose mineral, supplement block or liquid feed, cattle may get their salt fix there and not consume the correct amount of product containing the mineral or medication you want to get into them. Proper dosage is essential for these products to work. Under dosing is a waste of money and just poor management from any perspective.

While we're on the subject, there are a few important points about good mineral management I would like to stress. Cattle need to have a constant supply of high-quality minerals balanced for your area, your herd and, often, for the time of year and production stage.

Never let minerals run out. This can lead to overconsumption and waste when they are replaced, and that can also lead to production problems.

The label will have a guide for how much mineral cattle should be consuming. You need to do the math and make sure they are consuming the right amount. Too little mineral can create deficiencies, which might lead to diseases or decreased production. Too much can get in your back pocket.

(VM/CZ)

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