The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: Rosemary on January 31, 2023, 06:20:18 pm

Title: Minerals
Post by: Rosemary on January 31, 2023, 06:20:18 pm
Can anyone recommend a loose mineral for my in calf cows?

I've been in the habit of giving them a molassed lick but they just chomp throught it and tbh, they don't need the calories. They each get fed every day with some soaked sugar beet so getting it into them shouldn't be a problem.
I give my pony minerals like this. Can I do the cows likewise?
Title: Re: Minerals
Post by: landroverroy on January 31, 2023, 07:25:27 pm
I give mine a mineralised salt lick - Rockies. The one for cattle (with copper) is  called red Rockies because it used to be red in colour, but it's actually white now.
Title: Re: Minerals
Post by: twizzel on January 31, 2023, 07:34:31 pm
Lifeline do a powdered mineral, though we are getting on quite well with the buckets at the mo.
Title: Re: Minerals
Post by: Rosemary on January 31, 2023, 07:40:38 pm
Lifeline do a powdered mineral, though we are getting on quite well with the buckets at the mo.
[member=25072]twizzel[/member] Our four ate a bucket in a week.
Title: Re: Minerals
Post by: twizzel on January 31, 2023, 07:45:30 pm
Do they have anything else to lick? Often I find they lick them out of boredom- we slowed ours down putting rock salt out too. 35 cows going through 2 maybe 3 a week plus salt.
Title: Re: Minerals
Post by: Rosemary on February 01, 2023, 07:54:26 am
They have a Himalayan salt lick too.
Title: Re: Minerals
Post by: SallyintNorth on February 02, 2023, 04:12:30 pm
JG Animal Health does a version of their cattle mineral lick that's designed for adding to feed.  linky (https://www.jganimalhealth.co.uk/cattle.html)

I haven't used his cattle products, but like many others on this forum, I am a loyal and happy customer for the sheep mineral drench.