Cow/Calf
Nutritional Problems
Virtually all cattle in the western United States experience mineral and vitamin deficiencies at times during their production cycle. Phosphorus, copper, zinc and selenium have been shown to be deficient in nearly all mature range forages and most hays. Western forages are commonly deficient in vitamin A, vitamin E, iodine, cobalt and manganese.
Mineral deficiencies are becoming more critical as we continue 'mining' nutrients from our soils while seeking greater efficiency from our cattle to stay competitive in the meat production business.
Letting these deficiencies go uncorrected can reduce the reproductive efficiency and productivity of the herd and result in increased herd health problems. Just as a poorly tuned engine loses power and fuel efficiency, nutrient deficiencies hinder the productivity and growth of your cattle while lowering their resistance to disease.
Nutritional Solutions
Fine tuning the nutrition of your herd with a balanced mineral/vitamin supplement is the most effective and cost-efficient way to address these deficiencies.
Balancing cattle diets for minerals and vitamins with a RANGE COUNTRY® supplement can be one of the most cost effective management changes you make on your ranch. Correcting deficiencies may create numerous benefits including:
IMPROVED REPRODUCTION- Shorter breeding season
- Fewer open cows
- Stronger immune systems for better vaccine response and disease resistance
- Better immune protection for young calves
- Fewer disease related setbacks
- Optimum milk production by dam
Nutritional Results
Better reproductive performance and calf growth from a RANGE COUNTRY mineral program has the potential for significant return on investment, as shown in the study below.
The University of Idaho conducted a demonstration project for three years ending in 1990 on the feeding of a balanced mineral/vitamin supplement. Ten ranches in Southeastern Idaho totaling 1,670 head of mother cows participated in the project. The results of better nutrition for the cows in the project included:
- 56 pound increase in average weaning weight
- Calving season shortened by 25 days
- 10% more calves born in the first 21 days
- Increase in cow vitality, decrease in retained placenta and more rapid return to first estrus
Custom Minerals
Backed by over 80 years of experience, with strategically located offices and manufacturing facilities, the Wilbur-Ellis Company® Animal Feed Division is one of the world's largest suppliers to the feed industry.
Serving the Western U.S. livestock industry, our Animal Nutrition Segment specializes in the custom blending and formulation of vitamin/mineral premixes, base mixes, supplements and other specialty products for the animal feed industry. Customers receive quality products, expert advice, and detailed customized service. We invite you to consider Wilbur-Ellis Animal Nutrition for customized solutions to your mineral needs.
To find out more about what Wilbur-Ellis Animal Nutrition can do for you, please contact us.
