Why do cattle need minerals in their diets?
Macro mineral: Minerals that are in larger amounts in the animals body and required in larger doses in a healthy diet. In cattle these include Magnesium, Sulfur, and Potassium also the ones discussed in this blog; Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium and Chlorine.
Micro mineral: Minerals that are found in trace amounts in the animals body and required in smaller doses in a healthy diet. Micro minerals include Chromium, Molybdenum, Selenium, Iron, Flourine, also the ones discussed in this blog; Copper, Cobalt, Manganese, Iodine, and Zinc.
Calcium and Phosphorus (Macro)
Bones hold 90% of the bodies calcium and 80% of the total bodies phosphorus. Bone density is the most common problem when there is a deficiency in either or both of these minerals causing bones to become weak and high potential to break. Both of these minerals are considered macro minerals. Not only are they major minerals which are building blocks of the body, but they are also found in large amounts throughout the body. Calcium should be accessible up to three times the normal amount for a cow that is lactating. Phosphorus deficiency can cause a reduce rate of puberty in heifers as well as a slower return to heat for mature cows. Both minerals help with the process and efficiency of weight gain allowing for high profit margins for ranchers when a sufficient mineral program is in place. Low weights can not only lead to lower profits at sales, but it also extends the amount of time needed before that heifer can safely be bred.
Sodium and Chlorine (Macro)
Circulatory systems, nervous systems, bones and muscles all need Sodium in order to maintain proper development and health. When cattle do not get enough Sodium it can not only cause loss of weight, but loss of appetite causing a fast a perpetual decline in health. Lactating cows need a higher amount of salt as it is necessary for the production of milk for their calf. Cow's milk contains a high amount of Sodium and Chlorine which provides necessary nutrients to the calf, but at the same time also removes those minerals from the cow. Without the proper concentration of Sodium and Chlorine in their mother's milk, a calf becomes susceptible to rickets, a disease that causes weak and brittle bones in development and irregular growth later leading to impaired movement. Not only does Sodium help with production of milk for cows, but it also helps balance blood pH levels, muscular development and digestion. Salt licks are a good source of salt for the herd as well as adding Sodium and Chlorine to their mineral deposit locations in each pasture. Cattle will eat as much of the mineral as they need. If a pasture is going through mineral more than another, it means there is a difference in mineral content in the dirt, therefore, you may need to replenish those pastures more frequently to maintain herd health. Cattle will voluntarily consume more salt when grass is kept in the optimum growth stage which occurs regularly if pasture rotation is the field management program.
Copper and Cobalt (Micro)
Deficiencies in this micro mineral can lead to reduced fertility and increased risk for disease and death all of which mean reduced profits for cattle breeders. Copper should never be supplemented with Copper Oxide as it is much more difficult for the cattle to digest. Cobalt helps maintain appetite and cattle growth. Typically forage contains enough Cobalt and it does not need to be supplemented, however, most supplements contain Cobalt as it is near impossible to overdose cattle. It should also always be supplemented when feeding a grain-based diet. Cobalt will also again help with cattle growth which leads to higher yearly profit.
Manganese and Iodine (Micro)
Manganese is required for regular development not only of the livestock, but also of mothers reproductive systems and udder scores. Most often grazing cattle are able to consume efficient amounts without supplement, however, Manganese oxide is the most common supplement found in a mineral mix. Iodine helps with energy metabolism as it is responsible for regulating thyroid hormones. Iodine can not only help with energy levels, which effects the metabolism process and also length of grazing time, but it also helps prevent foot rot although the amount for this is much higher than normal supplemental amounts.
Zinc (Micro)
Zinc is responsible for proper male reproduction along with hoof health and skin. These are all important and require large amounts of Zinc, however, cattle are unable to store large amounts of Zinc in their system. The fact that only small amounts are found within the body makes it a micro mineral and always necessary to supplement to ensure the proper amount of consumption.
