As summer rolls in, the days are warmer and longer. The daily to-do list also seems to grow and continues on through the summer months. Mineral supplementation may be overlooked while we are caught up in the busy season this time of year brings.
However, proper mineral management during this time is not just beneficial, but essential to capture the most performance out of your cows.
Consumption
We could go on and on about the importance of minerals and vitamins to an animal’s diet on production traits like reproductive performance to overall health, but first and foremost, how good is a supplement if the animals aren’t even consuming it?
Research out of Montana State University tracked how many cows consumed a conventional dry mineral and how many cows consumed CRYSTALYX®. Results showed that whether cattle are grazing or being fed harvested forages, 86% or more will consume a CRYSTALYX mineral supplement, compared to 55–63% consuming a conventional dry mineral (Rangeland Ecology & Management 60(1), January 2007). The attractiveness and palatability of CRYSTALYX will ensure that a greater percentage of your cows are receiving the nutrition they need.
Getting cows bred
For many spring calving herds, the summer months also coincide with breeding. For better success at pregnancy check, it is important that cows are getting what they need leading up to and through breeding. A strong mineral status maximizes fertility and reproductive performance for both the bull and females sides. All CRYSTALYX mineral supplements contain Bioplex® organic trace minerals, which offer higher bioavailability than inorganic trace minerals including oxides, chlorides and sulfates. More specifically, CRYSTALYX® Blueprint® solutions, such as CRYSTALYX Blueprint 6 Phos, contain 100% Bioplex organic trace minerals, which have been shown to support reproductive function and overall health.
Fetal programming
Fetal programming is another important consideration for cattle producers, and for fall calving herds, late gestation occurs during the summer months. Fetal programming includes the impact that maternal nutrition can have on the development of the fetus during gestation. A pregnant cow requires mineral supplementation to support the mineral status of her developing calf as well. If cows don’t get the nutrients they need during pregnancy, this can lead to poor fetal development, affecting calf growth and development.
Ensuring that pregnant cows receive adequate amounts of vital minerals such as copper, manganese and selenium not only supports the cow, but also contributes to the future performance of her calf, both in the short and long term.
Convenient and labor-saving
We all get busy in the summer, and checking mineral feeders may get pushed off when there is a lot to do. When compared to other supplement forms, CRYSTALYX wins at ease of use and lower labor and equipment requirements. Simply place barrels where you want cattle to graze (more on that here: https://www.crystalyx.com/grazing-and-environmental/grazing-management-using-gps/), with no feeders or other equipment necessary.
Want to take it one step further? Feed CRYSTALYX in the BioBarrel® with WeatherAll® Protection, eliminating the need to pick up empty barrels or tubs.
When properly stocked and managed, at ¼ pound intake per head per day, one 250-pound barrel should last 50 head more than 2 weeks.
Getting a well-formulated, palatable mineral supplement out in front of your cows during the summer months is important to deliver the essential minerals and vitamins they need during this time. Not only are you meeting the immediate nutritional needs of the herd, you are also supporting the crucial role minerals play in fetal programming and the long-term success of calving operations.
CRYSTALYX mineral solutions help your cattle remain healthy, productive, and ready to meet the challenges of the summer ahead. Taking these proactive measures now can pay dividends in the performance and profitability of your cattle operation for years to come.
