production phase of cattle (growing, lactating, gestating, etc.). These
fluctuations should not deter you from making mineral an option to
your cattle year-round, as other sources of mineral for grazing cattle
are neither constant nor consistent.
It is also important to note that the mineral deficiencies of cattle
on an otherwise-well-managed nutrition program are often relatively
minor. This may be referred to as a subclinical deficiency, a deficiency
that presents itself in obscure ways.
Subclinical symptoms, while not always initially obvious, usually
become apparent after they’ve already impacted your bottom line.
Most of these subclinical deficiencies make you scratch your head and
think “Hmmm, something is a little off,” but rarely would you make
the connection between a change in or a lack of mineral with the
discrepancies you are observing. That is, unless you were aware of
those connections existing.
Below are a few such connections that I’ve observed anecdotally,
encountered in conversations with producers and verified in research.
“My conception rates are a little low this year.”
Many cow herds will soon be in the midst of calving and are rapidly
approaching breeding season. The mineral requirements (and nutritional
requirements in general) of cows are at their peak when lactation is also
at its peak, 30 to 60 days postpartum. It is critical at this time to make
sure your cows are in optimal body condition and that they have all the
tools on the cellular level to conceive early in the breeding season.
Some of these tools are minerals that are highly active in various
reproductive processes. Selenium, zinc and manganese in particular
have been found to have direct effects on reproduction in cattle,
significantly affecting processes such as ovarian function, steroidal
synthesis, and even testicular development and function in bulls.
It is not uncommon for an extreme mineral deficiency to result in
an open cow (as in she doesn’t get bred or, just as likely, she suffers
early embryonic loss following conception). However, a subclinical
deficiency may yield a bred heifer or cow—but one that conceived
during second or third service rather than conceiving upon first AI
service or exposure to bull. This could lower pregnancy rates in a short
breeding season or extend your calving season.
It is well-documented that cows and heifers that conceive early in the
breeding season sustain a longer, more productive herd life. Doing what you
can to ensure early conception can help boost your long-term profitability.
Minor Limousin is moving at full speed. We’ve been adding top-end
genetics to our program the last few years and loving the results. It’s
individuals like these that
are moving our program
full speed ahead.
MINO FIONA 001F
HomoB/HomoP• 57% Lim-Flex
CJSL Creed 5042C x AUTO Callie 403D
CE: 15 BW: 0.6 WW: 67 YW: 107 MK: 26
DC: 14 RE: .84 MB: .28 $MTI: 63
This female represents the quality we are
producing. Big-bodied, maternal females
anyone can build a herd around.
AUTO STRAWBERRY 431D
R/P • Fullblood
SVL Polled Impact 516U x AUTO Red Pepper 216X
CE: 8 BW: 2.5 WW: 57 YW: 88 MK: 25
DC: 9 RE: 1.32 MB: -.61 $MTI: 32
This Polled Fullblood female is being utilized in our embryo transplant program to produce
both Fullbloods and polled Purebreds. Watch for her progeny to be a big part of our program.
“I seem to be treating more calves post-weaning than usual.”
Many minerals have dramatic implications in the immune system
and its function. Lack of optimal mineral management at the cow-calf
level is speculated to be correlated to sickness later on in life—such as
incidence of respiratory illness at the feedlot.
When calves are retained at the ranch and preconditioned, the
consequences or benefits of nutrition earlier in their life often come
to light. Adequate mineral nutrition may be just as important as, and
may enhance, the viability of a vaccination program.
This is not to say that minerals are the magic bullet to end all
morbidity problems, but they are an important part of the equation
along with genetics, vaccination and overall management.
continued on page 78
• JANUARY 2020
COLE EXPLORER 22E
HomoP/DB • Purebred
COLE Architect 08A x COLE Miss Windfall 126Y
CE: 9 BW: 2.3 WW: 100 YW: 148 MK: 16
DC: 10 RE: 1.39 MB: -.53 $MTI: 46
This syndicated sire is playing a big role in
our program. As we get more of his calves on
the ground the more excited we are about
the exceptional performance, muscle and
carcass traits he offers.
SEMEN $40.
Contact Grassroots Genetics 866.305.9600
CALEB & TARA MINOR
1202 Flint Rock Rd., Strafford, MO 65757
Caleb (417) 576-6364 • Tara: (443) 605-6127
[email protected]
We welcome your
call or visit anytime
to see what we have
available. Watch for our
consignments to major
sales this coming year.
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