We can think about mineral intake in terms of the story of Goldilocks. Too little won’t deliver the necessary nutrients to reach peak performance, but too much can become very costly for the producer’s pocketbook. Right down the middle, with consistent and controlled intake, at the recommended level the mineral is formulated for, is “just right.”
How Are Bioplex Trace Minerals Different, and What Are Their Benefits for Modern-Day Beef Production?
For producers who want to ensure that they are feeding the highest-quality trace minerals, Crystalyx offers many different supplement types and options to help improve performance across all phases of cattle production. With the need for beef production to be both efficient and profitable, this modern approach to mineral supplementation lends itself to a healthier end product while minimizing the impact on the environment as well.
What are organic trace minerals?
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.
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.
