It is our observation after 40 years of extensive work in the cattle industry that minerals and their role for the health, welfare and performance of the cow, calf and bull are the least known, least talked about and the most misunderstood management practice in the cattle industry today and are the most important health and performance tool that cattlemen today can use.  The major part of the health problems that continually rob  the American beef and dairy cattleman can be easily solved at the mineral trough.

Reproduction is one of the major problems that we have experienced most that is directly tied to mineral intake.  What cattleman has not experienced problems with open cows; cystic ovaries; retained placentas; misshapen ovaries; poor fertilization of eggs; erratic, weak, silent or no heat cycles; delayed conceptions and abortions; poor quality semen in bulls.  Most American cattlemen experiences one or many of the above problems and should be asking the question...WHY?   The answer is in the mineral trough.  No medication will replace mineral nutrition.

The second problem that takes profit from the American cattleman is the poor health of calves.  What cattleman has not experienced problems with ecoli scouring in baby calves; calves born dead because of the silent killer white muscle disease; calves that are born weak, lethargic and often unable to stand and suckle; navel ill where the navel cord severs smooth with no string hanging; front feet turned back at risk; reduced growth rate; reduced immune response which is apparent with the  appearance of pneumonia and other respiratory problems.  Most American cattleman experiences one or many of the above problems and should be asking the question... WHY?  The answer is in the mineral trough.

Thirdly, the health of the adult animal is a problem for the American cattleman.  What cattleman has not experienced problems with poor or faded hair coat; reduced growth in young cattle; failure to rebreed after first calf; diarrhea in cows and bulls; loss of weight; foot rot; pneumonia; increased incidence and duration of mastitis (both beef and dairy); increased somatic cell counts in dairy industry; swollen udders; virgin heifers with swollen quarters; increased percentage of male calves; fescue toxicity; grass tetany; retarded sexual development of testes, ovaries and reproductive tract; low semen quality in bulls and high incidences of abnormal sperm cells; white blood cells in semen fluid; weakness of legs; trembling of hindquarters; improper bone development; cows develop hump in back; tail set becomes elevated; toe grows long; toe rolls causing animal to limp; heel cracks; sole abscesses; sudden death with no prior signs of sickness; low milk production; downer cow syndrome; loss of appetite.   The solution to these problems and many others lies in the mineral trough.   Without an adequate and balanced supply of mineral the cowherd cannot perform to their genetic potential.

For a mineral plan for your cattle herd, email us.