Loose mineral supplements, tubs and blocks are sometimes used to provide feed additives such as fly control products, ionophores, antibiotics and bloat management compounds. For these and other additives to work effectively, it is critical that cattle consume the targeted amount on a regular basis. Average intake over a few weeks should be monitored to determine if any adjustments need to be made.
How many bags of mineral should 40 cows eat in a month? This depends on a few different things, but some assumptions can be made from this example. If the cows are around 1,300 pounds and the mineral is formulated for a target intake of 4 ounces (0.25 pounds) per cow per day, then the group of 40 cows should consume about six bags of mineral per month (40 cows × 0.25 pounds per day × 30 days = 300 pounds ÷ 50 pound bag = 6 bags).
Mineral formulation has a significant impact on intake. Both phosphorus and magnesium reduce mineral palatability, and dropping their levels when appropriate will generally increase consumption.
Salt initially encourages intake of loose mineral supplements, but as more salt is consumed, it will start to limit intake. If mineral consumption is low, check to make sure cattle are not receiving salt from other sources. When using loose mineral supplements, salt blocks and other sources of salt should be avoided in most cases.
Location of mineral feeders or molasses tubs can affect consumption; moving these products closer to water sources or bedding areas will generally increase consumption. Additionally, mineral feeders that are more open in their design generally increase intake.
How long should it take 40 cows to consume a 200-pound tub? Let’s assume that the cows are around 1,300 pounds, and the tub is formulated for a target intake of 0.5 pounds per head per day. In this case, the cows should consume about 20 pounds per day, so the tub should be consumed in 10 days.
Tubs come in a variety of sizes, often ranging from 50 to 225 pounds. Additionally, targeted intake often varies from 0.5 to 1.5 pounds per head per day. So make sure to double-check the size of the tub and the intake target before making calculations.
Although underconsumption is generally the biggest challenge with these products, overconsumption can occur and results in increased costs. Monitoring intake is key to the successful use of these products.
