Fescue and trace minerals

Larry L. Berger, Ph.D.

Salt Institute

Salt and Trace Minerals newsletter

Fall 2006 (Vol. 38, No. 3)

Approximately 35 million acres of tall fescue grown annually, much of it for cow-calf forage. Calves are shipped from the Southeast states to the high plains or Corn Belt for finishing after weaning. Because these calves are often “put-together” in small lots, feedlot managers have traditionally expected a higher incidence of health problems and death loss compared to single source cattle. Recent research suggests that prior nutrition may be a key factor affecting their susceptibility to disease when entering the feedlot. Tall fescue presents unique nutritional challenges inviting greater use of trace mineral supplementation.