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<blockquote data-quote="simme" data-source="post: 1668992" data-attributes="member: 40418"><p>I believe that former member used the Vitaferm ConceptAid mineral. There are many mineral brands (some highly advertised) that are not locally available and you may find that a dealer that is 50 miles away does not stock all versions or much quantity of the product.</p><p>Minerals seem to be sort of like politics and religion. Lots of strongly held opinions with a wide range of thoughts. Many are convinced their favorite is the only way to go and it might be for their conditions. Others may not have found that same particular brand/product to be useful to them. Fed minerals are a supplement to the minerals in the forage, feed and hay the animals are getting. I believe the real mineral needs for a particular farm may depend on what is already in (or missing in) the grass and hay and feed. Could be a regional thing or could differ based on the fertilizer program. In my area, there are a lot of chicken houses. That litter goes on pastures and crop land. It is high in phosphorus. The nitrogen in the litter is like the nitrogen in chemical fertilizers - it has a fairly short life in the soil. The P and K and trace elements like zinc remain in the soil a long time - like a bank. But may not be balanced for cattle needs. The litter is a cheap source of nitrogen here so farmers apply it based on nitrogen needs. The excess P and K and trace elements in the soil then build to very high levels. So the mineral supplement needs of the cows eating forages from those pastures and hay fields may be different. Hay from land that has many years of litter tend to contribute to winter tetany. Usually grass tetany is an early spring issue, but can occur here in the winter when cattle are mostly on hay due to imbalance in the hay. Point is that mineral requirements vary based on many factors. There is not one solution for all. </p><p>Some people feed very cheap or no minerals and seem to do OK for years. Then suddenly they have problems with calving, retained placenta, vigor in the calves, overall herd health. And then get on a mineral program that seems to resolve those issues. Direct cause and effect? Maybe. But they may later again decide that mineral is too expensive and slack off and seem to be OK for several more years until history repeats. Seems to be complicated.</p><p>Some people pay a nutritionist for consulting on their program. Dr. Steve Blezinger from Texas is one such person. He was a regular contributor to the Cattle Today news magazine when it was published. </p><p>Grass and hay sampling/analysis may be helpful. As well as bloodwork on some of the cattle. People go to their doctor, get blood work and get recommendations for vitamins, supplements and general nutrition. Might be worthwhile for cattle.</p><p>Just my rambling opinion. Take it for what it cost. I could be wrong. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><h3></h3></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="simme, post: 1668992, member: 40418"] I believe that former member used the Vitaferm ConceptAid mineral. There are many mineral brands (some highly advertised) that are not locally available and you may find that a dealer that is 50 miles away does not stock all versions or much quantity of the product. Minerals seem to be sort of like politics and religion. Lots of strongly held opinions with a wide range of thoughts. Many are convinced their favorite is the only way to go and it might be for their conditions. Others may not have found that same particular brand/product to be useful to them. Fed minerals are a supplement to the minerals in the forage, feed and hay the animals are getting. I believe the real mineral needs for a particular farm may depend on what is already in (or missing in) the grass and hay and feed. Could be a regional thing or could differ based on the fertilizer program. In my area, there are a lot of chicken houses. That litter goes on pastures and crop land. It is high in phosphorus. The nitrogen in the litter is like the nitrogen in chemical fertilizers - it has a fairly short life in the soil. The P and K and trace elements like zinc remain in the soil a long time - like a bank. But may not be balanced for cattle needs. The litter is a cheap source of nitrogen here so farmers apply it based on nitrogen needs. The excess P and K and trace elements in the soil then build to very high levels. So the mineral supplement needs of the cows eating forages from those pastures and hay fields may be different. Hay from land that has many years of litter tend to contribute to winter tetany. Usually grass tetany is an early spring issue, but can occur here in the winter when cattle are mostly on hay due to imbalance in the hay. Point is that mineral requirements vary based on many factors. There is not one solution for all. Some people feed very cheap or no minerals and seem to do OK for years. Then suddenly they have problems with calving, retained placenta, vigor in the calves, overall herd health. And then get on a mineral program that seems to resolve those issues. Direct cause and effect? Maybe. But they may later again decide that mineral is too expensive and slack off and seem to be OK for several more years until history repeats. Seems to be complicated. Some people pay a nutritionist for consulting on their program. Dr. Steve Blezinger from Texas is one such person. He was a regular contributor to the Cattle Today news magazine when it was published. Grass and hay sampling/analysis may be helpful. As well as bloodwork on some of the cattle. People go to their doctor, get blood work and get recommendations for vitamins, supplements and general nutrition. Might be worthwhile for cattle. Just my rambling opinion. Take it for what it cost. I could be wrong. :) [HEADING=2][/HEADING] [/QUOTE]
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