Livestock & Forages
Free-Choice Mineral Guidelines
Dr. Larry W. Olson - Extension Animal Scientist
Free-Choice Mineral Guidelines
| Nutrient | Sources | Restriction | Summer | Winter |
| Calcium (Ca) | Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate | Minimum | 13.00% | 13.00% |
| Maximum | 15.60% | 15.60% | ||
| Phosphorous (P) | Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate | Minimum | 8.00% | 8.00% |
| Salt (NaCL) | Sodium Chloride | Minimum | 18.00% | 21.00% |
| Maximum | 21.60% | 21.60% | ||
| Magnesium (Mg) | Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Sulfate | Minimum | 3.50% | 8.00% |
| Potassium (K) | Potassium Sulfate Minimum | Minimum | 0.40% | 0.40% |
| Sulfur (S) | Potassium Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate Minimum | Minimum | 1.20% | 1.20% |
| Iron (Fe) | Ferrous Sulfate Minimum | Minimum | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Manganese (Mn) | Manganese Oxide | Minimum | 0.30% | 0.30% |
| Iodine (I) | EDDI (Ethylenediamine dihydriodide) | Minimum | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Cobalt (Co) | Cobalt Carbonate Minimum | Minimum | 0.0012% | 0.0012% |
| Copper (Cu) | Copper (Cupric) Sulfate | Minimum | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Zinc (Zn) | Zinc Oxide | Minimum | 0.40% | 0.40% |
| Selenium (Se) | Selenium Selenite | Minimum | 0.00264% | 0.00264% |
| Fluorine (F) | ---- | Minimum | 0.08% | 0.08% |
| Vitamin A | Vitamin A Supplement | Minimum | 300,000 IU/lb | 300,000 IU/lb |
| Vitamin D | Vitamin D-3 Supplement | Minimum | 30,000 IU/lb | 30,000 IU/lb |
| Vitamin E | Vitamin E Supplement | Minimum | 100 IU/lb | 100 IU/lb |
These are guidelines for selecting a good quality, cost effective complete mineral for cow-calf and stocker operations. They are based on meeting 50% of an animal’s daily requirements with an average intake of 3-4 ounces/head/day. Use to compare mineral bags or tags. Consumption of high Mg minerals decreases significantly, if the magnesium level exceeds 8-9%. A trace mineralized salt block is not a complete mineral. No additional salt is needed. Check bag or tag for Copper Oxide and Iron Oxide, which have 0% availability – avoid such minerals.
For Additional Information Contact:
| Dr.
Larry W. Olson Extension Animal Scientist Edisto Research & Education Center 64 Research Rd. Blackville, SC 29817 |
Email:
LOLSON@clemson.edu Phone: 803-284-3343 ext 231 Fax: 803-284-3684 |