Kay Dee's granular mineral is second-to-none. The unique manufacturing process has been refined through the years to produce a nutrient-rich granule, making it superior to conventional loose mineral. Free-flowing granules resist caking and remain fresh in bags and feeders. Our weatherized mineral line is similar to Super Ranger Kaydets in shape and texture, yet does not offer a mineral package as complete as those found in Super Ranger Kaydets.

SUPPLEMENT DURING THIS CRUCIAL PHASE OF PRODUCTION

The nutrient demand of a calving, lactating and rebreeding cow is 40% higher than a dry cow. The challenge of every cow-calf producer is to feed rations that satisfy this increased demand 30 to 60 days before calving to produce a healthy calf. Complete calving mineral supplements are important not only for their benefit to the calf, but should also be fed to the cow through rebreeding for optimal rebreeding results.

Dry forages fall well short of supplying the daily recommended levels of minerals, trace minerals and vitamins required by a brooding cow. Volumes of university research and field testing show that supplementing rations with a quality mineral supplement may:

Several of Kay Dee's Super Ranger Kaydets Granular Mineral are formulated for the special needs of the calving, lactating, and rebreeding phases of production. Kay Dee also offers a mineral block specific for calving, lactating, and rebreeding. All of these solutions are balanced formulations of minerals, trace minerals, and vitamins designed to satisfy the special nutrient needs of calving, lactating and rebreeding cows.

YEAR-ROUND SUPPLEMENTATION CAN IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Generally, most rations are deficient of one or more minerals at different times throughout the year. To benefit from the full nutritional value of any one mineral, adequate quantities of all other minerals must be available. Because of this, it is ideal to provide a complete mineral supplement year-round.

A complete mineral supplement not only supplies phosphorus and calcium, but also provides a total package of other important minerals, trace minerals, and vitamins formulated in exact amounts for maximum utilization by the animal. Salt blocks or trace mineral salt blocks contain little nutrient value, making them ineffective as a mineral supplement, even during maintenance only periods. Profit requires maximum-producing livestock and maximum production is dependent on daily diets that provide required levels of all necessary nutrients, including minerals, trace minerals, and vitamins.

DON'T LET FESCUE FEEDING AFFECT YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Tall fescue is the most common type of pasture forage in the U.S. due to its drought resistance, cool-season hardiness, nutrition quality, and performance in poor soil conditions. Depending on different levels of rainfall and soil content, the quality of tall fescue can be dramatically reduced by the introduction of “fescue fungus,” or endophyte-infected seed heads on mature fescue plants.

The fungus is not visible to the human eye but over 90% of tall fescue pastures in the U.S. are infected. Areas with lower than average rainfall have higher percentages of infected seed heads. Therefore, the fungus predominantly affects regions in the southern U.S., and can give grazing cattle what is commonly called “summer slump.” Cattle consuming endophyte-infected fescue grasses may exhibit:

Providing the proper supplements, vitamins, and minerals will prepare animals for “summer slump” by boosting their immune systems, supporting proper rumen function, controlling toxins, and increasing conception rates. Kay Dee Fescue mineral products are specifically formulated to increase performance in cattle grazing tall fescue grasses. Kay Dee Fescue Mineral products contain:

DON'T LET A MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY AFFECT YOUR HERD

Grass tetany is a deficiency of magnesium in the blood. It is most common among lactating cows grazing on early spring grasses. Grass tetany can lower weight gain, reduce milk production, and decrease weaning weights.

Most causes of grass tetany occur in the spring when grass is young and lush. Availability of magnesium is reduced in early grass due to the accumulation of ammonium, which interferes with magnesium absorption. Absorption of magnesium is further reduced when greater amounts of ammonia are released in the rumen following rapid ingestions of large quantities of lush green pasture

Common symptoms of grass tetany are solo grazing away from the herd, irritability, muscular twitching in the flank, wide-eyed staring, muscular incoordination, goose stepping, staggering,collapsing, head in the back position, thrashing, coma, and death.

Cattle grazing on lush, early spring grasses should be fed supplemental magnesium. Feeding should start at least one month prior to tetany season.

CONTROL FLIES BEFORE THEY DIMINISH YOUR PROFITS

Flies can be more than a nuisance — they can literally kill profits. It is estimated that the beef cow industry in North America loses one billion dollars in profit each year due to flies. Kay Dee offers several minerals with fly control products. When fed at recommended rates, you'll see a dramatic reduction in fly populations and an overall improvement in animal health.