Hillary P. Carnley, Area Livestock & Forages Agent
You find yourself back at the feed store, comparing prices on mineral supplements. You glance at the options and think, “Are minerals really that important? Surely there’s not much difference between blocks and loose minerals.” It’s a common thought—but the truth is, minerals play a much bigger role in livestock health than most people realize. And yes, there is a difference between block and loose mineral forms. From bone growth and reproductive success to shedding winter coats and resisting disease, minerals impact nearly every function in an animal’s body. If your livestock seem to be struggling with poor body condition, low fertility, or slow growth, a closer look at your mineral program might be the key. Sometimes, just switching mineral brands or formats—or contacting your local veterinarian or Extension agent—can make a big difference.
Minerals fall into two major categories: macro minerals and micro (trace) minerals. Despite the name difference, both are equally essential to animal health and performance.
Macro Minerals are required in larger amounts and are often included as a percentage of a livestock feed ration. They support structural development, muscle function, and metabolic processes.
- Calcium (Ca): Vital for bone formation, nerve function, muscle contraction, and milk production. It also supports blood clotting.
- Phosphorus (P): Works alongside calcium to build strong bones. It also plays a role in DNA formation and energy metabolism.
- Magnesium (Mg): Activates metabolic enzymes, supports carbohydrate breakdown, and assists nervous system function. A deficiency can lead to grass tetany in cattle.
- Potassium (K): Helps maintain osmotic pressure, fluid balance, and muscle and nerve function.
- Sodium (Na) and Chloride (Cl): Together they form salt (NaCl), necessary for hydration and nerve signaling.
- Sulfur (S): Supports protein and fiber digestion, especially in ruminants.
Micro (Trace) minerals are needed in smaller amounts but are no less important. They support hormone production, enzyme activity, immunity, and reproductive health.
- Copper (Cu): Essential for immune function, reproductive health, and red blood cell production.
- Zinc (Zn): Important for skin integrity, wound healing, and immune response.
- Selenium (Se): Acts as an antioxidant and is crucial for reproduction and muscle function.
- Iron (Fe): Required for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Manganese (Mn): Supports bone development and enzyme activation.
- Iodine (I): Helps regulate thyroid hormones and metabolism.
Even small deficiencies in trace minerals can lead to significant health problems in livestock, including poor weight gain, low conception rates, and weakened immune responses. These imbalances often go unnoticed until they begin to negatively impact animal performance. Common signs of mineral deficiency may include a poor or patchy coat, delayed shedding, reduced feed intake, slower growth rates, weak calves or lambs, infertility, irregular breeding cycles, muscle tremors, stiffness, unusual behavior, or general fatigue. While these symptoms may appear subtle at first, they are frequently linked to specific mineral shortages. If you observe any of these signs in your herd, don’t guess—have your forage tested and consult with your veterinarian or local Extension agent to determine the appropriate nutritional adjustments needed.
When it comes to delivering minerals to livestock, the two most common options are blocks and loose mineral forms. Although blocks may seem more convenient, loose minerals are generally more effective for meeting animals’ nutritional needs. Loose minerals allow for more accurate intake, as animals can consume the specific amounts they need rather than being limited to what they can lick from a block. They also typically offer higher bioavailability, with more balanced and absorbable formulations, and provide greater access, since they can be mixed with feed or offered free-choice in covered troughs—making them especially suitable for larger herds. As noted by the University of Missouri Extension, “Free-choice loose minerals help ensure that each animal meets its daily nutritional requirements more effectively than mineral blocks” (Kallenbach, 2017). On the other hand, block minerals come with several limitations. Consumption can be inconsistent, with dominant animals often getting more while timid animals may go without. Exposure to rain and humidity can degrade the blocks, reducing their quality and palatability, and the physical effort required to lick hard blocks can limit intake—especially when animals have high mineral needs. If your livestock are showing signs of deficiency or not performing as expected, switching to a well-formulated, high-quality loose mineral blend is often the simplest and most effective first step. To optimize mineral delivery and improve herd performance, be sure to choose a loose mineral mix tailored to your region and forage base, provide it in clean, covered feeders to prevent spoilage, rotate feeder locations to encourage even grazing, and conduct annual forage testing to adjust your mineral program as needed. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian or local Extension agent for guidance on selecting the right mineral mix and identifying any underlying nutritional issues.
Minerals might not be the flashiest part of a livestock feeding program, but they are one of the most important. From supporting growth and reproduction to ensuring healthy coats and immune systems, minerals are the foundation of animal health and performance. Choosing the right type of mineral supplement—especially loose minerals over blocks—can make a measurable difference in your herd’s health and productivity. If you’re unsure what your livestock need, don’t guess. Reach out to your local Extension agent or veterinarian for guidance tailored to your operation.
References
- McDowell, L. R. (2003). Minerals in Animal and Human Nutrition (2nd ed.). Elsevier Science.
- Kallenbach, R. L. (2017). “Feeding Minerals to Beef Cattle.” University of Missouri Extension. Retrieved from: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2081
- National Research Council (NRC). (2016). Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (2015). “Minerals for Beef Cattle.”
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