Positive lifelong impacts from quality cattle mineral supplementation

The concept of fetal programming has been evolving in the beef industry for several decades as more research is done.

“Fetal programming is the time when tissues and organs are created during embryonic and fetal development,” said Jason Sewell, Ph.D., cattle nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition, Arden Hills, Minnesota. “During this time, improper nutrition can permanently alter various metabolic and physiological functions of the fetus as it grows into an adult.”

Recently, Purina Wind and Rain mineral was featured in a gestational nutrition research study by North Dakota State University. The study aimed to illustrate the importance of providing minerals and vitamins during gestation and its impact on fetal programming.

Study design

Replacement heifers were synchronized and bred with sexed semen to create heifer calves. The resulting heifer calves were grown to a breeding age of 15 months upon conclusion of the study.

“The only difference between groups was in the gestational nutrition of the dams, where Wind and Rain mineral was fed to the study group at a rate of 4 ounces per head per day. The control group didn’t receive any supplemental mineral during gestation,” Sewell said.

Throughout the study, both groups of dams were fed a basal diet of silage, hay and dried distillers grain to gain 1 pound per head per day. The basal diet wasn’t deficient in minerals compared to National Research Council requirements for cattle. Liver biopsies of both the control and study heifers were adequate for trace mineral profiles.

Research results

The supplementation of Wind and Rain mineral significantly increased colostrum volume and weight compared to the control heifers. The dams supplemented with Wind and Rain mineral produced 50% more colostrum than the control dams. The test calves received 1.5 times more trace minerals via colostrum because of the increased volumes, helping ensure they would get off to a good start.

At weaning, the heifer calves born from dams receiving Wind and Rain mineral had larger ribeye area, chest and abdominal circumference than the controls. Weaning weights for the study calves were 36 pounds higher. Additionally, the study calves carried out the weight advantage from weaning until the study stopped at 15 months of age.

For more information, see a Purina dealer or visit www.purinamills.com.