Dairy Advice - Spring

Mineral Blocks

Do you know your animals’ mineral requirements?

The answer to this question will likely depend on the season, type and age of the animal, crop types they’re receiving and other factors such as milk production or need for weight gain.

While demands can vary substantially, the importance of minerals is crucial at all times, for animal health and productivity.

The group of animals most at risk of mineral deficiencies include those that are only fed species-limited pasture: young stock, cows and heifers during the dry period, beef cattle and the like. Any deficiencies will manifest in poor animal health, ultimately with severe financial implications; hence the importance of supplementation.

SealesWinslow Nutrition and Quality Manager, Wendy Morgan, emphasises that the first priority is dosage and regularity of supplementation. However, when animals are on a run-off block, for instance, this becomes difficult to manage as the regular provision of minerals can be impractical, not to mention easily overlooked.

And yet, it may be exactly at this time when adequate mineral intake is of utmost importance. Young stock serve as a good example. Provide them with the right blend of minerals and essential oils, and you’ll help promote growth during the critical post-weaning period.

SealesWinslow’s Cattle Young Stock Block is designed with these precise needs in mind. Its formulation helps to stimulate appetite, feed intake and nutrient digestion, all of which leads to improved growth rates.

There really is a mineral block for every situation. What they all have in common is a compelling value proposition and peace of mind. “You’ll have certainty that the mineral needs of your animals are met … without any hassles whatsoever,” asserts Wendy.

The molasses-based blocks are formulated so that animals ingest just the right amount of nutrients. Based on typical consumption, it’s a cost-effective investment in animal health and farm productivity.

MINERAL CHECKLIST

  • Iodine – supports energy metabolism and milk production, vital for reproduction and heat detection;
  • Selenium – promotes disease resistance and milk production, reduces incidence of retained placenta; (Insufficient levels cause poor conception, lower growth rates in young stock.)
  • Copper – helps growth, production, immunity and reproduction; (Deficiency can prevent a cow from conceiving.)
  • Cobalt – necessary for the production of vitamin B12, motivates appetite;
  • Zinc – forms the keratin teat plug, helps fight mastitis and lowers the somatic cell count.
all year cattle young stock detail

Cattle Young Stock Block

Cattle Young Stock Block supports the post-weaning growth in calves and replacements.