Body condition score (BCS) is a visual assessment of the amount of fat in a cow’s body. Therefore, BCS is both a good indicator of the past nutritional status of the cow and a way to determine future nutritional needs.

Trace mineral supplementation is imperative for profitable cattle production. Unfortunately, this single aspect of production is complicated by the overwhelming variety of mineral sources, product offerings and formulation strategies available, so livestock research has produced conflicting results.

Conservation of forage during the growing season for deferred use is a common production practice for cattle enterprises. Pasture forage production is not always adequate to meet cow intake or nutrient requirements.