As winter winds down and early spring approaches, cattle producers face a transitional period that presents both challenges and opportunities. One critical aspect of caring for your herd during this time is providing the right mineral supplementation. Hi-Mag mineral supplements, specifically, play a vital role in supporting your herd’s health as they move from the colder months into spring grazing.

Understanding the Importance of Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for cattle, particularly during late winter and early spring when the nutritional value of forage can fluctuate significantly. Inadequate magnesium levels can lead to serious health issues, including grass tetany (also known as hypomagnesemia). This condition causes muscle tremors, staggering, and, in severe cases, sudden death.

While grass tetany is commonly associated with lush spring pastures, it can also occur during the transition from winter to spring when cattle graze on dormant forage or are introduced to new green growth. The stress of changing weather and diet can exacerbate the risk.

Benefits of Hi-Mag Mineral Supplements

Hi-Mag mineral supplements are formulated to provide the necessary levels of magnesium your cattle need to maintain optimal health. Here’s how they can benefit your herd:

• Prevent Grass Tetany: Hi-Mag minerals help maintain adequate magnesium levels, reducing the risk of grass tetany. This is particularly important for lactating cows, which are more susceptible to the condition.
• Support Health During Seasonal Transitions: Magnesium plays a role in many physiological processes, including muscle function and energy metabolism. Proper magnesium levels help keep your cattle active and healthy as they adjust to early spring pastures.
• Balance Nutrient Intake: Many Hi-Mag supplements also contain other essential minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for bone health, reproduction, and immune function.
• Enhance Forage Utilization: By ensuring that cattle have the right mineral balance, Hi-Mag supplements help improve digestion and forage utilization, maximizing the nutritional benefits of both winter feed and early spring growth.

Choosing the Right Hi-Mag Supplement

Stockdale’s carries high-quality Hi-Mag mineral supplements to support your herd’s needs, including the Supreme Hi-Mag Cattle Mineral for optimal magnesium intake and the Foundation Hi-Mag IGR Cattle Mineral, which also helps control flies with added insect growth regulators (IGR).

Tips for Effective Mineral Supplementation

1. Provide Free-Choice Access – Ensure that mineral feeders are easily accessible in areas where cattle frequently gather.
2. Protect from Weather – Use covered mineral feeders to protect supplements from moisture and ensure they remain palatable.
3. Monitor Consumption – Regularly check intake levels to confirm that your herd is getting the recommended amount.
4. Adjust as Needed – Be prepared to adjust your mineral supplementation program based on forage quality and herd health observations.

Ensuring your herd transitions smoothly from winter to spring goes beyond mineral supplementation as well. Keeping fresh, unfrozen water available is just as crucial, which is why a floating tank de-icer can help prevent freezing temperatures from limiting access. To improve feeding efficiency, a durable hay feeder like the Co-op Hay Feeder minimizes waste, while the Co-op Bunk Feeder is an excellent option for grain and mineral supplements.

Stockdale’s has everything you need to keep your cattle healthy, well-fed, and thriving this season. Visit us in-store or shop online to stock up on essential minerals and cattle care products today!

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