By Jamie Martin
Cattle grazing small grains such as cereal rye, winter wheat, and triticale need proper mineral supplementation to maintain health and productivity. These forages can lead to deficiencies in sodium, calcium, and magnesium, which are crucial for both lactating cows and growing cattle.
Mineral Needs for Lactating Cows
Lactating cows are at risk of grass tetany, a serious condition caused by low blood magnesium and calcium levels. Since symptoms often go unnoticed until it is too late, prevention is key. A 4 oz free-choice mineral supplement should include:
- Salt (NaCl): 20–25%
- Calcium (Ca): At least 8%
- Magnesium (Mg): At least 10%
Mineral Needs for Growing Cattle
Growing cattle are less susceptible to tetany but benefit from calcium and magnesium supplementation, which can improve weight gain by up to 0.5 lb per day. A proper mineral mix should contain:
- Salt (NaCl): 20–25%
- Calcium (Ca): At least 20%
- Magnesium (Mg): At least 5%
Additional Nutritional Considerations
Adding monensin to mineral supplements has been shown to improve weight gain by 0.20 lb per day. Ensuring adequate levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) also supports long-term immune function. Recommended trace mineral levels include:
- Copper (Cu): 1,300–2,000 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 2,000–3,000 ppm
Camilla Corsi, Syngenta’s Global Head of Crop Protection Research and Development, said, “We invest significantly to offer the industry’s most advanced pipeline of innovative agricultural solutions.”
Providing cattle with the right mineral balance is essential when grazing small grains. A well-formulated mineral supplement helps prevent tetany, improves weight gain, and supports overall cattle health.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: National