Mineral consumption: take it with a grain of salt

Kristen Sindelar
Sep 29, 2022
Sep 29, 2022

Mineral feeder — Supplying mineral in a covered feeder is the best way to minimize loss due to weathering.
Submitted photo

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If you surveyed a room of 10 people if they prefer sweet or salty food, the results would be as divided as when I asked local feed stores and cooperatives about whether to mix mineral with salt to supplement cattle.

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Mineral station — Range cattle huddle around a protein station.
Submitted photo

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Cattle at mineral block — In most cases, salt or mineral blocks should be sufficient for cows. However, calves will not lick a block long enough to get much mineral.
Photo courtesy North Dakota State University

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.