24 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 Let Cross Diamond Genetics help carry the load in your herd! Fertility • Soundness • Fleshing Ability • Disposition Scott & Kim Ford (308) 991-2452 Bertrand, NE 68927 www.crossdiamondcattle.com Annual Sale: December 11, 2023 Selling 250+ age-advantaged bulls and 400+ commercial bred heifers! offered several weeks prior to grazing to allow cattle to adjust to the new mineral,” Drewnoski says. “The most common magnesium source is magnesium oxide, which can be very bitter. Many commercial magnesium mixes will add ingredients to increase palatability, such as corn by-products or molasses.” Feeding a diet of distillers grain and low-quality forage to lactating cows can also cause low magnesium in the blood. The solution is to feed more magnesium by having at least 10 percent magnesium in a 4-ounce mineral mix, Drewnoski says. Phosphorus This mineral is important for bone development and structural soundness; however, phosphorus is the most expensive mineral to supplement, Drewnoski explains. As forages age, the concentration and digestibility of phosphorus decreases. If producers are feeding older forages that may be lacking phosphorus, grain and grain byproducts might be a good supplement. “Early growth of forages has greater phosphorus concentrations, and supplementation may not be needed, even during the early lactation when needs are greatest,” Drewnoski says. Vitamin A This vitamin is needed for young calves that are producing rapidly growing cells. If calves have a vitamin A deficiency, they could have diarrhea as a side effect. Typically, the best source of vitamin A is fresh, green forages. “Cattle grazing on green grass can meet their vitamin A needs and store the excess vitamin A in their liver to be used when the diet is not sufficient,” Drewnoski says. “The amount of supplemental vitamin A needed when not grazing fresh green forage depends on time spent grazing green forages.” If the grass is brown or if cows are being fed stored forages or concentrates, they will most likely need vitamin A supplements. Supplementing During Drought and Excess Moisture Drewnoski says producers usually do not have to change their supplement program during a drought. CONSIDERATIONS FOR A MINERAL SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 “Cattle grazing on green grass can meet their vitamin A needs and store the excess vitamin A in their liver to be used when the diet is not sufficient.” – Mary Drewnoski
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