Considerations for Winter Mineral Supplementation

By Alexis DeCorby, PAg, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist, Yorkton

December 2024

Mineral supplementation is an important consideration in any winter-feeding program. Mineral status can impact calf growth and development, decrease calving difficulties, prevent herd health issues and ensure cattle rebreed in a timely manner come spring. It can be difficult to determine which mineral and formulation are best suited to meet the needs of your operation. There are many pros and cons to different mineral options and a few key considerations to help you determine which mineral is most appropriate for your herd. These include how you feed, what you feed and labour availability on your operation.

Determining the Right Formulation for Your Herd

There are three common mineral formulations for beef cattle. These are 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 blends. These numbers represent the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the blend. Calcium and phosphorus play an important role in bone development and strength, movement and milk production. The calcium to phosphorus ratio in a diet should be 1.5:1 to 7:1. If this ratio is outside these values, calcium may not be absorbed correctly, resulting in calcium and phosphorus being pulled out of bone stores. This commonly results in what is known as milk fever. Ensuring your ratio is correct will reduce the risk for milk fever and other related issues. Selecting the right ratio will depend largely on the type of feed, as referenced below.

A 1:1 blend indicates there are equal parts of calcium and phosphorus in the blend. A 2:1 blend indicates there are two parts of calcium for every one part of phosphorus. Similarly, a 3:1 blend has three parts of calcium and one part of phosphorus. The formulation that is best suited for your herd depends on the feedstuffs used. Below are some general guidelines.

1:1 Blends - Best suited for rations with high amounts of alfalfa or other legume forages

2:1 Blends - Best suited for rations with grass hay, greenfeed, straw or cereal silage

3:1 Blends - Best suited for corn grazing/corn silage or high grain diets

Once you have picked a formulation, it is time to consider the “extras” in mineral supplementation. Feed and water testing are great ways to refine your options and may help you make a more informed decision between a few mineral blends.

“The Extras”

Determining the ratio of calcium to phosphorus required for your mineral is a good starting point, but there are other aspects to consider. If you know you have high levels of potassium in your feed, you may want to look for a mineral that is lower in potassium. Similarly, high levels of sodium in your feed or water may indicate a salt-free mineral is best suited for your needs. Water testing may also help identify high sulphur or iron, both of which tie up copper and make it unavailable. Copper is important for both reproduction and ensuring cows clean properly post-calving. If you do have high sulphate or iron in your water, it may be a good idea to look for a chelated mineral.

Organic (Chelated) vs Inorganic Minerals

When it comes to mineral supplementation, one of the top questions is, “What is a chelated mineral and do I need it?” Organic, or chelated minerals, are attached to an amino acid. Comparatively, inorganic minerals are attached to a sulphate, chloride or oxide compound. Inorganic minerals are more common, typically more affordable and are usually sufficient to meet requirements. Chelated minerals are best suited for high stress situations, or when other factors impact the absorption of supplemented minerals (such as higher levels of sulphate in the diet). If you’re not sure you need a chelated mineral, a livestock and feed extension specialist or nutritionist can help you make that decision based on your herd’s situation.

Mineral Delivery Methods

One final consideration when picking out a mineral is how it will be fed. Will it be loose, free choice? Mixed into a total mixed ration or grain? Via a lick tub? Each of these methods has pros and cons, some of which are detailed below.

Determining which mineral and delivery method is suited for your herd requires a time investment. However, this investment can pay dividends when it comes to disease status, post-calving outcomes, reproductive success and, ultimately, the profitability of your operation. For information about mineral selection, feed and water testing or other related topics, contact your local livestock and feed extension specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.