Here's the deal
The annual mineral needs of a cow is less than 2 bags of Purina® Wind and Rain® Mineral. That’s just 4 ounces a day, consistently consumed every day of the year. Compared to this, trace mineral blocks can’t stack up. Trace mineral blocks are mostly salt and lack important macro minerals and often vitamins. Additionally, the trace minerals contained in the blocks are hard for cows and calves to consume enough of to meet their daily micromineral needs . Without a complete mineral, cattle can become susceptible to mineral deficiencies and costly health challenges.
| Trace Mineral | Requirements for a 1400lb. cow in 3rd trimester | Wind and Rain® All Season 7.5 4 oz. per head per day |
Leading Trace Mineral Block 6-8 oz. per head per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 10 ppm | 107.1% | Not tagged |
| Zinc | 30 ppm | 107.1% | 22.3% |
| Manganese | 40 ppm | 107.1% | 13.4% |
| Selenium | 10 ppm | 241.1% | 89.3% |
| Iodine | 50 ppm | 107.1% | 89.3% |
| Cobalt | 10 ppm | 160.7% | Not tagged |
Blocks can’t stack up
Purina® Wind and Rain® Mineral
- Proper balance of all 14 essential cattle micro and macro minerals
- Large particle size with weather-resistant formula to reduce water absorption and mineral waste
- Research-proven consistent intake consumption at 4 ounces per head per day
Trace Mineral Block
- Predominately salt, limiting daily consumption of needed mineral nutrients
- Lacks macro minerals so cattle may lack a proper macro mineral foundation
- Challenging to consume, especially when exposed to the weather elements
3 MUST-HAVES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MINERAL PROGRAM
Mineral is an essential part of a successful cattle operation. It is important to ensure your herd is getting mineral that they will consume and will be able to use. There are a few non-negotiables every successful mineral program needs to have:
Palatability
The most expensive mineral is the kind your cattle won’t consume. A quality mineral program should be formulated to meet all of your cattle’s vitamin and mineral needs in the environment they are in. But that doesn’t mean anything if your cattle won’t eat it. Mineral needs to be palatable enough to encourage consistent consumption but avoid overconsumption. This means cattle eat what they need to meet their requirements, and not through your pocketbook.
Weatherability
The other most expensive mineral is the kind your cattle can’t consume. Many mineral block and economy mineral options, when exposed to inclement weather, become even harder, making it impossible for cattle to consume adequate amounts to meet mineral daily requirements.
Bioavailability
For a mineral program to be valuable, cattle need to be able to absorb and utilize the minerals and vitamins they are consuming. This can be a challenge with some sources of vitamins and minerals, but when investing in a quality mineral program, you can rest assured your cattle are having their needs met.
A successful mineral program is strongest when a strong resource is available to be tapped. Understanding the “-abilities” of a mineral and how they should be utilized can be tough. To ensure that you’re working to unlocking your cattle’s true potential, look to a qualified nutritional expert. Team Purina’s robust network of dealers and sales representatives gives you access to local expertise with support of a national reputation.
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The Little Things Add Up
At the end of the day, even marginal mineral deficiencies can make a significant lasting impact on your herd’s performance for this generation and the next and affect your bottom line, before even the first physical sign. You often won’t see the effects of mineral deficiencies until they add up to a big problem
Cattle can’t reach optimal performance without adequate vitamins and minerals. The good news? Being proactive by providing a quality cattle mineral, such as Purina ® Wind and Rain® mineral, to your herd year-round can help you maintain proper mineral and vitamin levels in your cattle. See the difference for yourself with a Proof Pays Trial.
How Your Cattle Use Trace Minerals
Don't skimp on mineral
– J. Watkins
"I've been feeding this mineral for at least 10 yrs. My cattle seem to do great with it. I tried cheaper minerals but started seeing problems. Don't skimp on mineral."
– J. Watkins
"I've been feeding this mineral for at least 10 yrs. My cattle seem to do great with it. I tried cheaper minerals but started seeing problems. Don't skimp on mineral."
RESOURCES & INSIGHTS
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