NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
May 4, 2000
To keep cattle and sheep performing at peak levels, producers need to make sure their livestock are receiving adequate amounts of key minerals, says a North Dakota State University livestock specialist.
"In this region, where most of our sheep and cattle are grazing, they'll receive most of their minerals from forage," says Chip Poland of NDSU's Dickinson Research Extension Center. "Although animals require 26 minerals on a daily basis, there are about five that are of particular concern because they are typically lacking in forages produced in this region."
The five are salt (sodium), phosphorus, copper, zinc and cobalt.
Poland says minerals are involved in almost all body processes, so diagnosing specific deficiencies can be very complex. Some common problems that could related to a mineral deficiency include reduced reproductive efficiency from a lack of adequate phosphorus intake, as well as hoof problems and impaired immune function from copper and zinc deficiencies.
"Anytime an animal is provided a seemingly balanced diet, but not performing at expected levels, mineral deficiencies may be of concern," Poland says.
Reference material can help producers estimate the mineral needs of their livestock and the mineral content of their forages. Poland says, "From those estimates, producers can put together a budget of what they may need to add to the daily intake."
Next, producers need to consider how they'll deliver necessary supplements. With salt-based supplements, livestock may consume only a few ounces each day, so mineral concentrations must be high. Concentrations will be lower if the minerals are provided in a protein supplement and lower still if included in a total mixed ration. "Select supplement products based on how much supplemental mineral is needed and the concentration of the mineral in the supplement," Poland explains.
Stress can also play a role in mineral needs. Weaning, calving and transportation can increase the mineral requirements of animals. "An increase in level of supplementation may have benefits at those times," Poland says.
But be careful because too much can also be dangerous. "Many minerals can be toxic if animals receive too much. Copper, especially in sheep, probably poses the most risk in this region because the line between what's needed and what's toxic is relatively narrow."
Poland says producers need to balance supplemental costs against the benefits. "Mineral programs can be expensive, so what and how much you provide has to be guided by specific needs and the economics of meeting those needs," he says.
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Source: Chip Poland (701) 483-2078
Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629