Are Cows Picky Eaters? [Free Choice Mineral Feeders]

[@HeiferUSA]

What has been your experience with mineral feeders?

[@terrapinneckcreekfarm]

I started using a cafeteria style feeder a year ago roughly. I like how the cattle can pick what they need but I went through a lot of mineral. To the point it would take 1/3 of the market value of each calf crop to support the mineral program. Though I doubt that would last forever but it’s hard on the books in the mean time.

[@Blackjacktmde]

Perfect timing. I was just considering switching to our free choice feeder but wasn’t sure if it was worth the change. Great information!

[@HeiferUSA]

So glad to hear that! Let us know if you like the Free Choice system as much as we do!

[@ks_hunter7327]

Greg Judy has added higher dividers to the side of each bin but leaves the bottom edge open that way sheep can also use free choice minerals as well.

[@HeiferUSA]

That's a great solution to allow sheep to use free choice minerals! Thanks for sharing!

[@breahnalawrence6725]

Will be very interesting to see before and after soil mineral analysis, after using this system.

[@HeiferUSA]

Absolutely! This has such big potential to change our soil for the better.

[@melvinrexwinkle1510]

pretty expensive way to fertilize pastures, the unneeded minerals will be the ones passed thru the cattle and the nutrients needed by the cattle will be retained in their body. the minerals that the cattle do not need, is determined by whats in the soil and consequently in the forage and already plentiful or else the the cattle would be deficient.

[@melvinrexwinkle1510]

when the cattle get the amount of selenium that they need, you could say their needs are met, then they will lower their consumption and the pasture will still be deficient in that mineral

[@Forester-qs5mf]

Instead of the sleds, just screw the feeders to an old truck tire and attach a chain. Bullet proof sled option. If one large feeder is too heavy, build two smaller ones.

[@HeiferUSA]

Good idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@quintonburkham50]

OK so do you have an update on this video did your selenium level in the soil come up.

[@Dadnatron]

What research do you have available which shows that a Cow can determine his/her own mineral needs? I think it is 'great' but I'm a Human... and don't have that inbuilt ability. I recognize we are very different, but has there been research showing this is a viable system? Anecdotes aside?

[@approofarm]

Thanks for your video!

[@HeiferUSA]

most welcome

[@mr754222]

Love the answer to this one! 🤓

[@HeiferUSA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertduffy5805]

Greg Judy, in one of his videos, tells people to order the feeder with the lighter lid for sheep. You have to make sure you tell Free Choice so they know you are going to use it for sheep-like he does and they will change out the lid. Chances are you're not going to run cattle and sheep together so you buy one for each herd or flock.

[@HeiferUSA]

Great tip!

[@TheDingo-oi5ht]

Have you heard of old west feed, they are also free choice individual mineral

[@SHANONisRegenerate]

Iodine and selinium are super water soluable so will wash out of the soil collumn in no time.

[@bobbypeters5228]

Great video! Is it cost effective to buy individual vitamins and minerals? And is there volatility concerns? Thanks

[@HeiferUSA]

Thanks, Bobby! We are still measuring and tracking to determine which system is more efficient and affordable. Stay tuned and we'll let you know!

[@andrewdudley4803]

So,how is the pre-mixed mineral not beneficial to soil health as well,it seems the passing of unused mineral would still be available in the urine and manure,or are you saying it more beneficial to replace mineral your soil is lacking?

[@HeiferUSA]

We are still testing a lot of this out

[@lynxacresb5331]

why not use wheels instead of a sled?

[@HeiferUSA]

might have to try that!

[@chatteyj]

expense/ maintenance/ over design

[@chatteyj]

A company designed, built and sold that feeder to you!!??? A high school student cud do better.