Cold Weather Mineral Consumption

Cold weather is still with us. Sometimes it is a challenge to get the livestock to drink during the extreme cold. Mineral and salt consumption during the winter months will enhance water intakes of livestock. Some minerals are specifically targeted to the livestock stage of life. Breeder minerals, calving minerals, and fescue minerals are some of the specific options available to work with the life stage of the animal. Salt is available in either loose in a bag, or block form. Loose salt is sometimes used to mix with the mineral to either encourage consumption or decrease consumption. Typically, mineral consumption is recommended to be 3 to 4 ounces per head per day for cattle. Contact your local SFG office to obtain your mineral and salt needs.