I just came across this interesting (if a bit old) thread. There is some good information and a lot of misconceptions about mineral posted here. I hope you don't mind me stepping in. I have been a mineral dealer for 20 years now. It's been fun and it is rewarding to help people understand how mineral works, how to feed it efficiently and make more money with your cows by utilizing a quality mineral program.
I'm glad TexasBred posted about mineral needing to contain MORE cal and less phos. We are learning all the time
that cattle need less phos than first thought. In fact, 3:1, 6:1 even 8:1 cal to phos is acceptable in certain
situations.
One reason cattle won't eat mineral is because it contains too much phos. Phos is a limiter. If you feed grain or grain hay, you can use a lower phos mineral. The cattle will eat it better, and you will save money, as phos is the most expensive ingredient in mineral. If cattle don't eat the mineral because it is bitter, they aren't getting the trace minerals they need. Some feed stores, who mainly sell feed and really don't understand mineral, still make 1:1 mineral. Cattle won't hardly touch it because it is so bitter.
Here is a little short course you might want to remember about mineral: Quality and quantity of forage dictates mineral consumption; in regards to Phos, cattle eat GRAMS not percents; quality mineral does not contain grain by-products.( Grain by-products are put in mineral to make it more palatable and to reduce the cost per bag of the mineral. It is for people who are more cost-conscience than quality conscience. IMO) Mineral containing grain by-products don't usually stand up to wet weather and a lot of it is wasted. Quality mineral contains Vitamin E and yeast culture. Remember to look at the INGREDIENTS, not just the % analysis. Most quality mineral is NOT coarse, because when it is coarse, it is not readily available to the cow. Which means it isn't easily broken-down and a lot of it is passed out, not utilized. So be careful when you buy mineral. There is a reason it is a fine grind. Cattle PERFORM on a quality mineral program; one that the ingredients can be readily utilized. They eat mineral in peaks and valleys. Figure your mineral consumption year-round. Trying to figure it out on a weekly or even monthly basis can drive you nuts. Keep it out, keep the stations from running out and you will see a huge difference in your cattle. And yes, haircoat is an indication of health.
Mineral is expensive, but pays for itself many ways. There just is a lot of misconception out there. If you have
questions, I would be happy to answer them to the best of my ability. I've been a member of ranchers.net for a long, long time and we've had many mineral discussions there.
And, BTW, Vigortone mineral does contain Amaferm. ;-)
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;-)
