A Balance of Nutrients and Management
The management, nutrition, and the animal health program must work simultaneously. The manager, the nutritionist and the veterinarian wants a safe but fast start. They know that getting a good start will lead to a potential profitable finish. The veterinarian usually prefers programs with plenty of roughages to prevent rumen acidosis and loose manure.

Buffering the Starting Ration
If a starter supplement can be used at a feedlot, we suggest a "buffering" mineral program be included to help hold down acidosis. What we really mean is feed ingredients that will help neutralize the acids produced in the rumen. We have used a combination of extra limestone in the supplement either in the form of calcium carbonate or a calcium/magnesium limestone (Minad is one of trade names for magnesium containing limestone). We also suggest a low level of sodium bicarbonate, and/or a low level of magnesium oxide.

Slow Buffers and Fast Buffers
The limestone added to cattle rations, either starting rations or finish rations are slow buffers. Bicarbonate and magnesium oxide are fast buffers. We suggest a combination of a slow buffer and a fast buffer to produce a better program.

Mineral Balance of the Ration
If buffering agents are added to starting rations, these feed ingredients not only help in preventing acidosis but they also supply the critical gross minerals of calcium, magnesium and sodium . The potassium, the sodium and chloride from salt levels will also need to be considered. Potassium is important for long hauled stressed cattle. The feed manufacturer and the consulting nutritionists have many options to consider in "balancing" the gross mineral needs.

Phosphorus
Starter supplement have traditionally been formulated with adequate phosphorus. This tactic is now being challenged because grain contains more phosphorus than the requirement for maximum gain.

Trace Minerals
Trace minerals fortification is important for starting rations. There is considerable argument if "organic" or chelated trace minerals should be used. We have used "organic iodine" (EDDI-ethylene diaamine dihydroiodide) for 30 years to help control foot rot in certain feedlots. ZinPro's product zinc methionine is now used for this purpose. The organic and chelated products are probably more available, but cost more than the standard trace products used.

Salt in Starting Ration
The salt level in the starting ration is also important. The chloride in salt helps to prevent and control the "new cattle water-belly problem." Steers from certain parts of the High Plains of U.S. have silica calculi in the urinary tract. This stone is very large with fishhook protrusions. This can be controlled at the ranch by late castration. (This calculi is different than the stones which form when cattle have been on feed for 75 or more days. This stone is a phosphate stone caused by too much phosphorus in the ration. It is very small and sugary in appearance, often seen on the pubic hairs of feedlot steers. I have never seen this phosphatic stone in newly arrived cattle from pastures or ranges.) ©