20 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 Considerations for a Mineral Supplement Program By Jessica Wesson, Contributing Writer Minerals and vitamins are important for herd health and function, but misconceptions can cause ranchers to supplement incorrectly for their cattle. There are many factors to consider before creating the supplement plan for an operation, and there is not a one-size-fits-all solution that will work for everyone. Mary Drewnoski, beef Extension specialist for Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, says it is important for cattle to get certain minerals and vitamins, but they do not need substantial amounts. “Minerals and vitamins are essential nutrients with many vital functions, and they are required in small amounts for optimal beef cattle performance,” Drewnoski says. “Outright clinical deficiencies are rare in beef cow-calf systems; however, subclinical deficiencies that cause impaired performance are much more likely, including reduced calf growth and health or impaired reproductive performance.” The most common deficiencies in beef cows include copper, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin A. Copper This mineral serves an important role for calves’ immune systems. Typically, forages do not meet the copper needs of beef cows, and there are other minerals that might interfere with its absorption. “This means that looking at copper content in the forage will not give you an accurate understanding of the amount of available copper or how much supplemental copper is needed,” Drewnoski says. “Molybdenum and sulfur are two minerals that act as antagonists, so you must also look at these mineral levels as well.” She says that pastures in northwest, north-central and south-central Nebraska contain high enough levels of sulfur and molybdenum to significantly interfere with copper absorption. Overall, eastern Nebraska has less molybdenum levels in the forage, which means copper does not have to be supplemented as much. There are other sources of absorption inhibitors that producers should be aware of, according to Drewnoski. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
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