The Right Now� Mineral Solutions Guide
“Why don’t you just put minerals in the bag and let me add my own salt? I would save a pile of money that way!”
Answer: Mineral formulations without salt or palatability enhancers are generally unpalatable, prone to wind loss, exposed to degradation by the climate and may even be toxic if consumed in excess. Simply adding salt to the straight mineral would also result in a product that would separate easily, creating serious intake challenges.
“My cattle eat {Emerald or Bronze} just right but [they don’t eat or eat too much] {Bronze or Emerald} can’t I just stay on that product all the time?”
Answer: Some customers choose to only use one mineral product throughout the year, for a variety of reasons. While this strategy can still be effective and provide an economic return, these producers are likely leaving some money on the table as a result. Our goal is to improve the overall efficiency of range beef cattle production by providing the proper nutrients at the right time of year. If intake challenges exist, your Cargill Animal Nutrition consultant is available to offer assistance to help you get the most return out of the Right Now� Mineral Program.
“What kind of feeders should I put the mineral in?”
Answer: Right Now� Mineral is weatherized and resists wind losses very well, so it does not need to be placed in weatherproof feeders. Most producers use inverted pick-up tires that are fastened to a wooden base or empty protein supplement tubs. In addition to keeping the mineral from being scattered or wasted by cattle, a prime concern in feeder selection is to use a vessel that allows calves unrestricted access to the mineral. Very often we find that wind-vane feeders and devices that use flaps that cattle have to learn to lift preclude many calves from consuming mineral.
“Where should the mineral feeders be placed?”
Answer: Feeders should be placed in locations where cattle will find them frequently. Placing them along trails between the feed ground and water supplies is generally very successful. Adjusting the distance that mineral is located from water sources is a key tool used to control mineral consumption; moving the mineral closer to water sources generally increases mineral intake, while moving feeders farther from water will often decrease intake. Over the course of the grazing season, mineral locations should change to keep in synch with the cattle. In fact, many ranchers use mineral as a tool to draw cattle to areas they want the cattle to graze.
“How many mineral feeders do I need to put out?”
Answer: A good rule of thumb is to provide one mineral feeder for every 20 to 30 cows. Depending upon the geography of a particular grazing area, adjustments may need to be made. Evaluate the range and determine mineral feeding areas that will provide an opportunity for every cow to find a feeder at least every other day. Your Cargill Animal Nutrition consultant can assist you in this endeavor.
“How often should I put out fresh mineral?”
Answer: Even though Right Now� Mineral is protected from the elements, we suggest that fresh mineral be delivered on a weekly basis. Doing so will allow you to monitor intake and adjust feeding locations and number of feeders as situations change and challenges arise.
