Top 10 Myths (& Lies) About Livestock Mineral Supplements by Will Winter

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🎙️ Episode Title: Top 10 Myths (& Lies) About Livestock Mineral Supplements by Will Winter
📝 by Will Winter

In this enlightening episode of Regenerative Wisdom, sourced from the Stockman Grass Farmer magazine, Will Winter, a renowned formulator and retired veterinarian, uncovers the top 10 myths surrounding livestock mineral supplements. Drawing from decades of experience in animal nutrition, Winter shares actionable insights to help farmers and ranchers optimize livestock health and profitability through proper mineral supplementation.

🔑 Key Points Covered:

1. 
   

   Myth: Local mineral mixes are best.

   
   
   
   
   • Local sources often have quality issues and inflated costs. Winter explains how to spot red flags on labels.
   
   
   
   


2. 
   

   Myth: Homemade mineral mixes are effective.

   
   
   
   
   • DIY mixes can be more harmful than helpful. Winter discusses the complexities of the 'mineral wheel' and warns against contaminants in ingredients like Chinese imports.
   
   
   
   


3. 
   

   Myth: Always mix salt with minerals.

   
   
   
   
   • Salt can corrode minerals and destroy vitamins. Winter recommends providing salt and minerals separately for better livestock health.
   
   
   
   


4. 
   

   Myth: Soil becomes mineral-rich over time.

   
   
   
   
   • Soil rarely contains all essential minerals, even with prolonged supplementation.
   
   
   
   


5. 
   

   Myth: Dry cows don’t need minerals.

   
   
   
   
   • Dry cows, especially pregnant ones, require robust mineral supplementation for herd health.
   
   
   
   


6. 
   

   Myth: Animals not eating minerals don’t need them.

   
   
   
   
   • Winter suggests using enticers to encourage proper intake and dispels the notion that refusal means sufficiency.
   
   
   
   


7. 
   

   Myth: High mineral consumption indicates a good product.

   
   
   
   
   • Excessive intake may signal imbalances or cheap additives.
   
   
   
   


8. 
   

   Myth: Good minerals are too expensive.

   
   
   
   
   • Winter argues that quality mineral supplementation is an investment in long-term profitability.
   
   
   
   


9. 
   

   Myth: Germs are the primary cause of disease.

   
   
   
   
   • Winter emphasizes the importance of maintaining overall animal health, focusing on the 'terrain' rather than external pathogens.
   
   
   
   


10. 
    

    Myth: Comprehensive nutrition is unnecessary.

    
    
    
    
    • Proper nutrition eliminates the need for antibiotics, wormers, and vaccines, boosting herd productivity and profitability.
    
    
    
    

🌱 Actionable Insights:

• Avoid relying solely on local mineral mixes—review labels carefully.


• Steer clear of DIY mineral blends due to their complexity and potential risks.


• Provide salt and minerals separately to allow livestock to self-regulate.


• Continue supplementing minerals, even after years of use, to address soil deficiencies.


• Focus on dry cow nutrition, ensuring their health during pregnancy.


• Prioritize comprehensive nutrition to prevent common herd health issues.

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