Mighty Mineral

At home on the range. It takes around the neighborhood of 20 lbs (dry-matter) of grass to feed an average cow each day.  Although 20 lbs seems like a lot of feed, it surprisingly does not provide a cow with all that is needed to fulfill her nutritional requirements.

Enter in mineral. "Mineral" is a granulated feed supplement of both micro and macro nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and selenium, as well as many others. These important nutrients help the cow's body function properly and if deficient, can cause serious problems.  Most of these minerals are found in such small amounts in grass that it is essential to supplement cows in order to maintain the health and condition of the herd.

In a way, taking vitamins is the same concept for humans.  Human bodies can function without vitamins if a well balanced diet is being consumed. On the other hand, because of the variability of grass quality it is essential for cows to have mineral available. The lack of the vital nutrients could potentially inhibit bodily functions.

The mineral is placed in free choice tubs located throughout the pasture. When a cow is lacking a particular mineral, she will actively seek it out.  Typically the tubs will be placed in the same place each summer. As creatures of habit, cows can easily relocate mineral tubs year after year when a craving strikes at home on the range.

-Colin