Mineral deficiencies are often not visible but can contribute to poor or sub-optimal performance and, as a result, can affect beef producers’ profitability. A sub-optimal trace mineral status can affect an animal’s reproductive health and efficiency, metabolism, growth and development, and response to stress and disease challenges, all of which can directly impact the herd’s pregnancy rates, calving percentages, birth and weaning weights, calf mortality numbers and gains.
2022 in Review and CattleFax Outlook
While we will surely face challenges in the year ahead, there is a lot to look forward to, as the CattleFax Meeting indicated. Each of us at CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements thank you for your business, and we look forward to continuing to work together to achieve your goals in the upcoming year and beyond.
Why are organic sources of trace minerals important for cattle producers?
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.
The all-new CRYSTALYX app: Download it today!
Imagine what life today would be like without a cell phone. You may sometimes think to yourself, “I sure could get a lot more done without this phone constantly going off” — but think of all the conveniences it also brings.
Garlic: Another option to combat flies
It seems that we are hearing more about the practice of using garlic as a feed supplement for livestock to reduce the negative impact of fly populations. The practice of feeding garlic or garlic-derived compounds isn’t new, but more supporting evidence and research into the benefits is starting to appear.
Trillions, billions, thousands and hundreds: For a few cents more, you can control flies
1.6 billion, 200, four and 20 to 40 are not numbers related to government spending on the pandemic but, rather, are numbers associated with the impact of fly pressure on animal performance.
Is CRYSTALYX convenient?
We recently received some information back from readers of a particular beef industry magazine that carried one of our CRYSTALYX “Performance is Served” advertisements. This information included candid comments from the readers on the specific advertisements.
The long history of CRYSTALYX Brand Supplements
The history of CRYSTALYX low-moisture blocks goes back more than 44 years, to a patent originally obtained by Carl O. McKenzie. Legend has it that he got the idea while observing how hard candy was made at Knott’s Berry Farm. The patent was submitted in 1974 and was approved on June 1, 1976. This patent describes the batch process by which we still make CRYSTALYX today.
Agriculture-focused youth programs
The disrupted state of our world during 2020 cannot be doubted and will definitely have a major impact on many young people who had hoped to show animals at their local fairs this summer.
Stable-lyx equine supplements: Fly control and smaller container options
The majority of CRYSTALYX self-fed supplements are designed for beef cattle on pasture, with several specialty products for calving, weaning and growing cattle. Early in the development of the CRYSTALYX product line, ranchers recognized the benefits of nutrient delivery, ease of use and the time savings associated with using CRYSTALYX when supplementing their cattle. They also noticed that the horses liked the molasses-based product but had concerns about whether a beef product was adequate for their horses.