Offering loose minerals?

[Dirtslinger]

My cattle have never had loose minerals (salt based). The bag says 100g per head (sounds high I must check that). Can I just leave it in a box for them to ingest what they'd like? Or will they OD on it because it is so tasty?
This is new to me, I don't actually have a scale, and dexters are smaller than beef cattle.

This is for a growing yearling, bred heifer and near due cow. Thanks.

[bumpus]

Originally Posted by Dirtslinger

My cattle have never had loose minerals (salt based). The bag says 100g per head (sounds high I must check that). Can I just leave it in a box for them to ingest what they'd like? Or will they OD on it because it is so tasty?
This is new to me, I don't actually have a scale, and dexters are smaller than beef cattle.

This is for a growing yearling, bred heifer and near due cow. Thanks.

You give each one a little small had full ... seperately at first every other day.

Tou can even mix it in there feed if you do give feed.

There craving will drop lower and then you can give it to the free choice in and dry place so it won't get wet.

Before you know it they will only eat a little bit once in a while, and not over eat it.


bumpus
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[randiliana]

They won't OD on it, if it is designed to be fed free choice. The ones with salt use the salt as a intake limiter. If they eat more at first it will be because they need it rather than because they like the taste. Once they are caught up on it you will notice that they will reduce their intake.

[Dirtslinger]

Thank you both. Sounds easy enough.

[topside1]

Dirt, my calves enjoy the loose minerals. It's a purina brand called "wind and rain" I believe. The stuff smells so good I'm tempted to give it a try. No overdoseing, just enjoying. I don't give them to much a one time, the product is expensive so spillage can get annoying. I use a plastic pepsi tray that supermarkets have, put a 50# trace mineral block in the tray and beside it a wedge in a bowl of loose minerals...enjoy.