. Agri-news. Agriculture. January 13,2003 Minerals, minerals, minerals Beef producers have to be especially aware of possible mineral problems in this year's feed rations. The mineral profiles of many of the feeds that were grown in this past summer's drought conditions are very different than average. These mineral variations or imbalances may prove to have detrimental consequences on the upcoming calving and breeding seasons. "The first mineral of concern is potassium," says Trevor Yurchak, beef specialist with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Athabasca. "Potas
. Agri-news. Agriculture. January 13,2003 Minerals, minerals, minerals Beef producers have to be especially aware of possible mineral problems in this year's feed rations. The mineral profiles of many of the feeds that were grown in this past summer's drought conditions are very different than average. These mineral variations or imbalances may prove to have detrimental consequences on the upcoming calving and breeding seasons. "The first mineral of concern is potassium," says Trevor Yurchak, beef specialist with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Athabasca. "Potassium is a huge concern with cereal forages, both silage and greenfeed. Many cereal crop feed samples have been tested with results coming back showing very high levels of potassium (K), some as high as per cent, whereas per cent is normal. High potassium by itself is not necessarily a concern, but combined with lower than average calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), the "tetany ratio" could cause problems. The tetany ratio is defined as potassium divided by the calcium plus magnesium, and should be below ; If the tetany ratio in feed is above :1, as is the case with many rations this winter, the probability of health problems and conditions such as winter tetany, milk fever and "downer cows" is high. Over the past two years, these health problems have been evident, but producers have not associated them with nutrition. They may have noticed weak cows at calving, especially cows with twins, but have not attributed it to minerals. This year may prove to be even worse if proper mineral programs are not followed. The ration-balancing program Coubytes automatically monitors this tetany ratio. "The simplest solution is to feed a high potassium feed blended with a feed that is lower in ; says Yurchak. "This blending process is the easiest and most cost effective ; In many cases, feeding a good 1:1 mineral may
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