Trace mineral salt

Animals need more than salt for proper health and nutrition. Animals need trace mineral supplements. They are needed in very small amounts, or traces, in the diet, and hence their name, "trace minerals." The intake of salt and trace minerals is species-specific. Some of the trace minerals fed as a salt additive are iron oxide, copper, manganese, selenium, cobalt, iodine, zinc, and magnesium. Phosphorous, calcium, sulfur and some vitamins, such as A and D, are frequently added to salt as well. Also, salt has been used as a carrier to administer drugs like oxytetracycline, ionophores (ie., monensin and lasalocid) or anthelmintics (de-worming agents). Trace mineral nutrient needs pervade livestock and poultry but also include household pets and wild animals.

Subclinical trace mineral deficiencies occur more frequently than recognized by most livestock producers. Currently, minor but chronic under-consumption of trace minerals is a bigger problem than acute mineral deficiencies because the farmer (or pet owner) does not see specific symptoms that are characteristic of a trace mineral deficiency. Instead, the animal grows or reproduces at a reduced rate, uses feed less efficiently and operates with a depressed immune system. The end result for commercial animal producers is inefficient production and lower profitability.

Some areas have pastureland with soils deficient in one or more trace minerals; the forage is then also deficient in trace minerals. And many times, feeds are shipped in from another region that may be trace mineral deficient

Salt is a natural carrier for trace minerals since all farm animals have a natural appetite for salt. Moreover, when cattle, horses, sheep and other animals are on pasture with little, no or varying amounts of concentrate feeding, producers can supply trace mineralized salt free-choice in the form of a mineral block or as loose trace mineral salt in a box. Then, regardless of the amount of concentrates fed, and especially if none is fed, the animal can still consume salt and the trace minerals it contains. The trace mineral levels in salt or salt-based mineral products are guaranteed on the package.

Different levels of various minerals are added to salt for specific and different situations. The cost of adding the six trace minerals to salt is very low, ranging from less than one cent for poultry to 81¢ US for dairy cattle for a whole year. Horses, beef cattle and dairy goats can be supplied trace minerals with salt for a year for less than 40¢; and calves, swine, sheep and meat goats for less than 15¢. This is certainly low-cost insurance compared to the benefits derived. If selenium is also added to salt, at a level of 20 to 30 ppm, the cost will be about ¾¢ more per pound.

Learn more about why using salt to feed trace minerals is a good investment