Minerals, Vitamins & Premixes
Part of Nutrition and Feed
What Are Minerals, Vitamins & Premixes?
Minerals, vitamins, and premixes are concentrated supplements that provide essential micronutrients dairy cattle need but may not get adequately from forages and grains alone. Premixes combine multiple vitamins and minerals into convenient packages that are added to total mixed rations.
Why Micronutrition Matters
Trace minerals and vitamins play critical roles in immune function, reproduction, milk production, and overall health. Deficiencies—even marginal ones—can cause subtle production losses, reproductive problems, and increased disease susceptibility that may not be obvious without monitoring.
Key Benefits of Proper Supplementation
- Immune function: Zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin E support immunity
- Reproduction: Manganese, zinc, and vitamins affect fertility
- Milk production: Adequate minerals support metabolic functions
- Foot health: Zinc, copper, and biotin affect hoof integrity
- Transition health: Antioxidants help fresh cows handle oxidative stress
Key Minerals for Dairy Cattle
Macro Minerals
Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfur are needed in larger amounts. Calcium is especially critical around calving to prevent milk fever.
Trace Minerals
Copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, cobalt, and iodine are needed in small amounts but have outsized importance. Organic (chelated) forms may have better absorption than inorganic forms.
Key Vitamins
Vitamin A, D, and E are commonly supplemented. Vitamin E and selenium work together as antioxidants. B vitamins are usually synthesized by rumen microbes but may be supplemented during stress.
Types of Products
Custom Premixes
Formulated specifically for your farm based on forage analysis, water mineral content, and production goals. Typically ordered through nutritionists or feed companies.
Standard Premixes
Pre-formulated products designed for general dairy use. Less precise than custom blends but convenient and economical for many situations.
Free-Choice Minerals
Loose or block minerals offered for voluntary consumption. Useful for grazing situations but intake can be highly variable.
Injectable Minerals
Used to correct acute deficiencies or supplement during high-need periods. Not a substitute for dietary supplementation.
Do You Need Premium Minerals?
Consider investing in quality mineral programs if:
- Reproduction or immune function needs improvement
- Foot health is a concern on your farm
- Your forages are known to be mineral-deficient
- Water or soil antagonists affect mineral availability
- You want to optimize performance rather than just meet minimums
Basic programs may be adequate if:
- Current performance meets expectations
- Budget constraints limit investment
- Feed sources provide adequate mineral levels
Cost Considerations
Mineral and vitamin premixes typically cost $0.05-0.20/cow/day. Organic trace minerals cost more than inorganic sources. Work with your nutritionist to balance cost against expected return from improved health and production.