Key Minerals for Cattle Grazing on Small Cereal Forages

Nutrients to Prevent Deficiencies and Improve Cattle Health

Small cereals like cereal rye, winter wheat, and triticale provide excellent forage but often lack essential minerals. Supplementing cattle with the right nutrients can prevent deficiencies, improve health, and enhance productivity. 

Essential Minerals for Lactating Cows

Lactating cows require adequate magnesium and calcium to prevent grass tetany, a fatal condition caused by low blood magnesium. Since symptoms appear suddenly, prevention is crucial. A 4 oz free-choice mineral supplement should contain:

• Salt (NaCl): 20–25%

• Calcium (Ca): At least 8%

• Magnesium (Mg): At least 10%

Providing these minerals reduces the risk of tetany and ensures proper nutrition. 

Minerals for Growing Cattle

Young cattle may not be as vulnerable to tetany, but proper mineral intake significantly improves growth. Studies show that cattle given adequate calcium and magnesium gain up to 0.5 lb/day more than those without supplements. A 4 oz mineral mix for growing cattle should include:

• Salt (NaCl): 20–25% 

• Calcium (Ca): At least 20% 

• Magnesium (Mg): At least 5% 

Magnesium also helps prevent bloat by supporting healthy digestion. 

Additional Nutrients for Better Performance

Including monensin, a widely used ionophore, can further enhance cattle growth, with gains of around 0.2 lb/day observed in research.

Essential trace minerals like copper and zinc are also crucial for cattle health and immunity. A 4 oz supplement should include:

• Copper (Cu): 1,300–2,000 ppm

• Zinc (Zn): 2,000–3,000 ppm

“We invest significantly to offer the industry’s most advanced pipeline of innovative agricultural solutions,” said Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Crop Protection R&D at Syngenta.

By ensuring cattle receive proper mineral supplementation, farmers can promote healthier herds, prevent nutritional imbalances, and optimize growth when grazing small cereals.