All purpose mineral

[JeffK-MN]

Hi I have been reading about manerals for beef cattle.
We have a small cow/calf herd of 6-10 cows.
I would like to find out if those all purpose minerals that you get at the local feed store are good enough for cows?
I know that all the brands have a slight difference. But for calving and breeding?
What do you look for in minerals. Thanks Jeff

 

[greybeard]

Hard to say without knowing your area. Took me awhile to figure out that many of the local feedstores carry crap for mineral supplements in thier "one-size-fits-all" stuff that was cheap to buy but wasn't helping much. At least one brand, the cows wouldn't even touch it. I think it was Lone Star.
I look for a minimum of
1500 copper
2% mg (if I get a good lush spring grass or winter cover I try to find something with a little higher magnesium in it)
24% salt (and I keep loose salt out too)
10% P
about 15% Ca

also want some selenium since I know my soil is low in it.