What has been your experience with mineral feeders?

@terrapinneckcreekfarm

6 ай бұрын

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

@HeiferUSA

2 жыл бұрын

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

@melvinrexwinkle1510

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

Love the answer to this one! 🤓

@HeiferUSA

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks for your video!

@HeiferUSA

Жыл бұрын

most welcome

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

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

Жыл бұрын

Good idea! Thanks for sharing!

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

Great tip!

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?

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

@HeiferUSA

2 жыл бұрын

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!

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

Жыл бұрын

We are still testing a lot of this out

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

why not use wheels instead of a sled?

@HeiferUSA

2 жыл бұрын

might have to try that!

@chatteyj

Жыл бұрын

expense/ maintenance/ over design

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