Forage is the foundation of most beef cattle diets. Whether cattle are grazing pasture, eating hay or being fed silage, these feeds provide the bulk of nutrients for cow-calf, stocker and backgrounding operations.

With markets demanding ever more proof of beef’s environmental sustainability, taking relatively simple steps such as improving your herd’s genetics or mineral supplementation can pay big dividends. 

Supplementing the cow herd with organic trace minerals improves ovarian activity, increases conception rates and helps cattle breed back sooner. Calves from supplemented cows are also in better health and immune status.

When working to maximize fertility in cattle, cows are often the focus. However, bull fertility is a crucial consideration for any beef operation.

Setting up an effective supplement program is more than simply finding the right mineral at the right price.

Selecting a proper mineral supplementation strategy can be quite complicated with all the different product offerings and brands available. In selecting the right program for your herd, it is helpful to not only have an understanding of your forage quality but to also think about what goals you want to achieve.

Building a strong foundation in the cow herd, heifer development or purebred program starts with genetics but can also be affected by management and nutrition.