By Tessa Thomas, AAg, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist, Tisdale
March 2025
Minerals are an important component of your beef herd’s overall health and function. Signs of mineral deficiency could vary from low conception rates, retained placentas, white muscle disease, goiter, foot-rot and more. Excessive supplementation of minerals can provide different effects on the animal as well, including toxic or interactive effects.
How do you know how much mineral your herd is consuming?
It is difficult to correct any mineral issues within your herd without knowing, on average, how much mineral your herd is consuming per head, per day. Be sure to read and follow labels on the mineral and consult with your local livestock and feed extension specialist if you have any questions.
An easy way to calculate your herd’s free-choice mineral consumption is to think of how many days one mineral bag can feed the needs of your herd.
For example:
If you have a mineral that should be supplied 100 grams or 0.22 pounds (lb.) per head (hd) per day, and 100 cows:
0.22 lb./hd/day x 100 cows = 22 lb. is your herd’s total daily intake.
You can then divide the weight of the mineral bag by this number.
Let’s say we have a 50 lb. bag:
50 lb. mineral bag ÷ 22 lb. of daily mineral intake for the herd = 2.27 days.
Therefore, this bag of mineral will last your herd roughly 2 days.
Free-choice mineral consumption is challenging, as you don’t know how much each cow is consuming; some could be over-consuming, while others aren’t getting enough. The best way to ensure even consumption is to provide the mineral as part of the ration. If you don’t feed a total mixed ration, mixing it with grain or pelleted feeds can help ensure consistent consumption.
To encourage free-choice mineral consumption, mix salt with the mineral. Put the mineral close to their watering area so they can access it easily. Salt can help moderate intake as it is the only nutrient they will seek, but they will not over-consume it. In the pasture, provide 2-3 days of mineral at a time.
Choosing the correct mineral
It can be overwhelming trying to decide which mineral to provide to your herd. There are many options on the market varying from loose mineral, blocks or lick tubs. It is helpful to know the quality of feed and water when considering which mineral is best suited for your herd, as the mineral content of both will impact your mineral choice. Contact your local livestock and feed extension specialist for help with feed and water testing.
Minerals are commonly referred to by their calcium: phosphorus ratio. A 2:1 or 3:1 will have two or three times more calcium than phosphorus and can be beneficial in high cereal grain or greenfeed rations. A 1:1 will have equal calcium and phosphorus levels and can be used in a high grass or legume forage ration.
Chelated vs. non-chelated
Many producers have heard the terms ‘chelated’ and ‘non-chelated’ minerals. Chelated minerals, also known as organic minerals, are attached to an amino acid or carbohydrate and are more readily absorbed by the animal. Non-chelated, or inorganic, minerals are attached to a mineral compound. Non-chelated minerals are a less expensive option and can provide acceptable nutrition to cattle in low stress or low antagonist situations.
Overall, it is important that beef cattle are supplemented with minerals to maintain their health and function in the herd. For more information about minerals for beef cattle, you can visit our webpage or contact your local livestock and feed extension specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.