What mineral do you use?

[myheaven]

I have used dumor from tractor supply as they are often on route to the many places I go. But I just switched to kent mineral from my co-op, and let me tell you I noticed a big difference in my Molly. Her heat was super strong this time. But it could also be the alfalfa pellets I started to add to her ration also, as our hay this year is marginal at best.
What do you use and where do you get it?

[agmantoo]

I buy from a feed mill that makes a variety of animal rations. I read the analysis tags and compare the contents and the prices. More money does not guarantee a better product.

[SpaceCadet12364]

We use Kent minerals. Also remember to put out a bucket of salt(trace, Iodized, selenium,solar or what ever your animals need ) or they will eat more mineral to get the salt. WE get it at our feed store. Ours will not eat the stuff from TSC or southern states They are spoiled rotten. 100 lb tub from tsc or ss last 6mo. and still not gone 250lb kent tub gone in 3 wks. If they won't eat it, it does no good.

[G. Seddon]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet12364

Also remember to put out a bucket of salt(trace, Iodized, selenium,solar or what ever your animals need ) or they will eat more mineral to get the salt.

The problem with doing this is they'll go for the salt and not eat the mineral. Most mineral mixes contain salt (14% or more), and I think that meets their needs.

[haypoint]

Sort of hard to pin the difference on animal health to a change in minerals when you also added alfalfa pellets.
My area's soils lack selinium, so I'm always after the mineral mix that contains the most selinium. Most helpful to pregnant and growing livestock.
I have seen livestock fed plenty of good grain, die for lack of minerals.

[topside1]

Also keep in mind that all the red color is just iron (rust), just because it's red does not mean it's the best. Iron is a very cheap mineral and looks special to the buyers eye. Those red salt blocks are only red because of the added iron....Topside

[nosqrls]

Originally Posted by G. Seddon

The problem with doing this is they'll go for the salt and not eat the mineral. Most mineral mixes contain salt (14% or more), and I think that meets their needs.

That is why you look at the mineral some don't contain that much salt. And some don't contain iodine or selenium. So talk to your vet or local ag office if they suggest adding something to their diet figure out what you need to use.

[Gabriel]

I use http://freechoiceminerals.com/index.php Their consumption varies from paddock to paddock.

[Go for 300]

I use a package from CHS. Varies from time of year between tubs with mineral in them to add some protein to fall feed and aftermath grazing to loose mineral when grazing and being fed hay. (Hay tests 13% on grass, 8.7% on grain hay, and 11.7% on alfalfa) so I don't think I need the protein tubs then. Always have white salt blocks out per the label on both the tubs and loose mineral.

[opportunity]

I have been buying a local stockmans choose mix at the feed mill it doesn't contain the salt so that is put out in another feeder. I have found that it really needs to be loose mineral for them to get enough those "salt" blocks are not enough. I also do not like the big national brands as many are not a good formula for our area we need differnt minerals.

[CreamyHills]

We have mixed kelp meal and salt 50/50 for our mineral supplement for the last 10 years on our dairy. Results have been good. Consumption varies by season and by quality of the available forage. It is all natural and we are completely aware of every ingredient.