Many commercial mineral supplements contain both types of trace minerals. However, the percentage of inorganic vs. organic minerals in each product is often a mystery to the consumer. With the Crystalyx Blueprint® line of low-moisture blocks, the answer to that question is simple: Blueprint products use 100% Bioplex® organic trace minerals. The greater bioavailability of Bioplex® minerals means that Crystalyx Blueprint products are formulated with lower levels of trace minerals. Research has shown that Crystalyx Blueprint programs can improve a producer’s bottom line by producing more calves that are also heavier and healthier.
Choosing the right self-fed supplements for beef cows
One of the reasons CRYSTALYX® is so popular is because it is practical. It’s an effective supplement that’s easy to use with minimal time and labor expense. Yes, there may be other supplement options available that look less expensive to feed, buy in a practical sense would not fit management, the environment or other conditions.
The greatest opportunity for adding body condition is right now
When is the best time to put body condition on your spring-calving beef cows? The answer is: as soon as you have weaned your calves. CRYSTALYX® protein supplements can help you take advantage of this perfect time that Mother Nature gives us every year.
The Ruminant Advantage: How CRYSTALYX® self-fed supplements work
Fortunately, with a little help, cattle are phenomenal at taking forage of all quality levels and turning it into food. If properly supplemented with carbohydrates and protein, the rumen will drive rumen microbial fiber digestion. CRYSTALYX® protein supplements deliver the nutrition needed to optimize rumen fermentation and feed your cow.
Get out of the heat and into the Shade
Heat stress costs cattle producers roughly $350 million annually. A majority of those losses are concentrated in the feedlot sector of the beef complex, as heavier cattle in confinement are at a much higher risk of heat stress. However, cow-calf producers should still be acutely aware of the negative performance implications caused by heat stress. Outlined below are a couple of examples that I think drive home how heat stress hits your bottom line.
Celebrating beef producers: Premium products and sustainable solutions
We are fortunate as beef producers to have the opportunity and freedom to create an amazing product for consumers that grows from our natural resources. Beef Month allows us to celebrate our contribution to the world food supply while preserving land, water and air through environmental stewardship. Crystalyx Blueprint supplements can be an excellent tool for continuing that legacy while maintaining profitability as we plan for the future.
Bulls: A valuable part of your operation
You spent hours flipping through the sale catalogs finding the right bull, or set of bulls, that best fit your operation’s goals. You made the purchase, and now the bulls are all settled in at home. But wait, the work isn’t over just yet!
Consistent mineral delivery pays
The old adage, “you get what you pay for,” is true for mineral supplements. The quality of the mineral source can vary due to differences in the availability of the individual ingredients and the overall fortification level of the trace minerals. Cheap and often less bioavailable ingredients can lower the cost but decrease the value of a mineral supplement.
The move from Breed-Up® to Blueprint®
Join us as we move into the future of trace mineral nutrition in the beef industry.
