Beef cattle require a number of minerals/vitamins for normal bodily maintenance, as well as, for optimal growth and reproduction. Selecting the correct mineral supplement is also important for maintaining healthy animals. Even though quality forages and/or grains can furnish a large portion of the required minerals, producers should select supplements that will meet animal requirements and avoid excesses that reduce profits.

To address this issue, the Ohio Co. Extension Service coordinated with Dr.Katie Van Valin, U.K. Beef Specialist, who conducted a workshop on “Beef Mineral & Vitamins for Healthy Herds” 

Sixty beef producers attended the meeting learned:

1. Why minerals/vitamins are important in beef cattle diets
2. Why a complete mineral is better than a trace mineral block
3. What minerals are most important to consider when buying a mineral
4. What kind of ingredients provide the best uptake of the mineral
5. What ingredients to avoid when buying a mineral
6. Proper levels to look for in your beef mineral/vitamin ingredients

A post survey of producers indicated the following impact:

1. Only 50% currently feed a free choice mineral year round
2. 85% will be evaluating their current mineral to make sure it meets the necessary requirements
3. ANR agent has visited 10 producers to evaluate their herd and their mineral program

The problem

The educational program response

The participants/target audience

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.