Minerals for Cows

Everywhere you turn, input costs keep creeping up, slowly and steadily. Feed, medicine costs, fencing, and basic supplies for cattle producers are increasing. Often times the first sacrifices that producers make are vitamins and minerals for cows.  

Cows require vitamins and minerals for various essential physiological functions to support overall health, growth, reproduction, and productivity. Minerals play critical roles in maintaining bodily functions, enzyme activities, hormone regulation, and structural integrity.  

At BioZyme®, minerals for cows are our flagship line with the development of VitaFerm®. VitaFerm is a line of nutritional supplements for beef cattle that maximize energy and forage utilization for successful production. The VitaFerm products are powered by AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research proven to enhance digestibility. 

VitaFerm minerals are great investments in any cattle operation because they provide a precision prebiotic delivered by a high-quality mineral. 

The Importance of Minerals for Cows 

“Financial success in this business is predicated on performance and pounds. Therefore, this premium nutritional program ensures that you can maximize the genetic potential of cattle with better health and efficient means of production,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D. Chris Cassidy serves BioZyme® Inc. as Director of Beef Technical Sales.  

“One general misconception of these popular products is that they’re just formulated for mineral content and bioavailability relative to the stage of production and nutritional requirements. Not only are these highly available minerals created to bridge the nutritional gap for any feeding and grazing situations, but more importantly, they contain our precision prebiotic Amaferm. With current prices, Amaferm provides a unique opportunity for producers to get the most out of their expensive feed resources and cheapen their cost of gain and production.” 

Let’s explore the reasons to provide minerals for cows and how the VitaFerm line offers options to producers for year-round supplementation. 

Why Should You Provide Minerals for Cows? 

Here are 7 key reasons why cows need vitamin and mineral supplementation. 

1. Bone & Muscle Development

Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are crucial for bone development, strength, and integrity. Adequate levels of these minerals support skeletal growth and help prevent bone disorders such as osteoporosis or rickets. Phosphorus is also important for muscle function and energy metabolism. 

Vitamins A and D are crucial for normal growth and bone development. Vitamin D is especially important for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, affecting bone growth and health. Vitamins D and E contribute to proper muscle function, reducing the risk of muscle-related disorders. B Vitamins support nervous system health, ensuring proper neuro-muscular coordination. 

2. Reproduction & Fertility 

Minerals such as selenium, zinc, and copper play vital roles in reproductive health and fertility in cows. Selenium is essential for the function of reproductive organs and sperm production in males. It also plays a role in preventing retained placenta and improving fertility in females. 

Zinc and copper are involved in hormone regulation, ovarian function, and embryo development. 

Vitamin A plays a significant role in reproductive health. It affects spermatogenesis in males and the estrous cycle in females. Vitamin E and selenium work together to support reproductive functions and prevent reproductive disorders like retained placenta or white muscle disease in calves. 

Vitamin D plays a role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, affecting milk production and quality. B12 and other B vitamins support energy metabolism, essential for lactating cows. 

3. Immune Function 

Selenium, copper, and zinc are minerals crucial for cows’ immune function and disease resistance. Selenium and copper act as antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative damage and supporting immune responses. Zinc is involved in the production and function of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. 

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage and supporting immune system function. Vitamins C and D also have immune-boosting properties, aiding in disease resistance and reducing the risk of infections. 

4. Milk Production & Quality 

Minerals for cows, such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, are important for milk production and quality. Calcium is a major component of milk, contributing to yield and supporting lactation. Phosphorus and potassium are involved in maintaining fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and milk composition. 

Vitamin D plays a role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, affecting milk production and quality. B12 and other B vitamins support energy metabolism, which is essential for lactating cows. 

5. Enzyme Activation & Metabolism 

Minerals serve as cofactors for enzymes involved in various metabolic processes, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and energy production. Minerals for cows like magnesium, manganese, and iron are essential for enzyme activities and metabolic pathways in cows. 

B Vitamins (such as B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and biotin) are essential for energy metabolism and support various biochemical pathways in the body. They help convert nutrients into energy, allowing cows to maintain vitality and productivity. 

6. Skin & Coat Health 

Sulfur and zinc are important for skin and coat health in cattle. Sulfur is a component of amino acids and is involved in the formation of skin, hair, and hooves. Zinc is essential for wound healing, skin integrity, and hair growth. 

Vitamin A is critical for promoting healthy skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin E contributes to skin health and is known to improve coat condition. 

7. Overall Health & Vitality 

Adequate mineral nutrition is essential for overall health, vitality, and performance in cattle. Deficiencies or imbalances in mineral intake can lead to various health issues, including poor growth, reduced fertility, metabolic disorders, and immune suppression. 

Vitamins are organic compounds your body needs in small quantities. Vitamin deficiency or excess can lead to various health concerns. Proper vitamin intake is vital for maximizing productivity and preventing health issues. 

Cattle Mineral Needs

To ensure optimal mineral nutrition, cows require access to a balanced diet containing a proper ratio of macrominerals:  

• Calcium 
• Phosphorus 
• Magnesium 
• Potassium 
• Sodium 

• Chloride 

and trace minerals: 

• Selenium 
• Zinc 
• Copper 
• Manganese 
• Iodine 
• Iron 

Supplementing with pre-mixed minerals, blocks or tubs can help meet cows’ mineral requirements and support their health and productivity. Regular monitoring of mineral levels and consulting with a veterinarian or nutritionist can help ensure cows receive adequate mineral nutrition tailored to their specific needs and production stages. 

VitaFerm Offers Options 

Vitaferm offers three mineral programs for cattle producers to provide their herds with the vitamins and minerals they need, regardless of where they are in the production cycle.  

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 

The Concept•Aid products promote effective, easy breeding when fed 60 days pre-calving through 60 days post-breeding. All Concept•Aid products include Amaferm and organic copper, iodine, and zinc for maximum bioavailability, innate immunity, and hoof health. They also contain high levels of Vitamin E to support reproductive tract repair and milk quality.  

Concept•Aid products come in numerous loose minerals and two tub formulas. There are formulas that help control anaplasmosis, grass tetany, and flies. Some formulas contain MOS (mannan oligosaccharides) or our HEAT® technology. Some contain a combination of the above. 

To discover the Concept•Aid formula best for your management scenario, use our Concept•Aid Navigator. 

VitaFerm® ONE 

VitaFerm ONE provides one solution to conveniently and consistently promote cattle performance in all seasons. All VitaFerm ONE products contain Amaferm to enhance digestibility. They meet or exceed nutrient requirements throughout the production cycle and are formulated with research-proven organic copper and zinc for enhanced bioavailability. 

Several other formulas exist, in addition to the original ONE formula, which offers one solution for all seasons and comes in both loose mineral form and a 35-pound block.  

Free-choice mineral formulas also exist that are designed  

• To help control anaplasmosis  

• Control flies  
• Contains the patented HEAT technology. 

VitaFerm Conserve® 

For cattle producers looking to cut costs, not performance, BioZyme offers VitaFerm Conserve. VitaFerm Conserve supports the health and performance of the whole herd while conserving supplementation costs. It is a cost-conservative mineral that still contains Amaferm for enhanced digestibility and features a complete but economical vitamin and mineral package. 

VitaFerm Conserve is available in eight formulas tailored to various operational challenges. Formulas available in both loose mineral and tubs exist to: 

• Help control anaplasmosis 
• Help prevent grass tetany  
• Offer fly control 
• Include MOS 
• Provide additional protein 

BioZyme Products are Research Proven 

Amaferm^® is the key additive in all VitaFerm products. It has more than 111 published and/or presented research studies proving its increase in digestibility and, ultimately, its impact on the animal.  

Providing a high-quality trace mineral and vitamin supplementation like VitaFerm Concept•Aid is research-proven to improve reproductive efficiency. For example, our Reproductive Success Report shows that VitaFerm Concept•Aid has proven itself as an industry leader in its ability to improve pregnancy rates, calving percentages, and weaning weights.  

Get Your VitaFerm Today 

Providing the proper vitamins and minerals for cows is paramount to your herd’s success. At BioZyme, we give you options within the VitaFerm line. We offer an ideal breeding mineral, ONE solution for all seasons or a mineral that provides adequate nutrition without breaking the bank. 

Get your VitaFerm products from an authorized BioZyme dealer today. Our extensive dealer network is here to help you meet mineral needs.  

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