Salt and Trace Minerals Newsletter Spring 2008 | Volume 40 Number 2

SALT-LIMITED SUPPLEMENTATION OF GRAZING ANIMALS

Larry L. Berger, Ph.D.
University of Illinois

INTRODUCTION

Because of high grain prices, many beef producers are extending the grazing period to attain heavier weights before the cattle enter the feedlot. Typically, forage quality and quantity will decrease rapidly in late summer. In most cases to obtain acceptable rates of gain, protein and energy supplementation will be required. Limit-feeding large herds by hand has numerous challenges. Using salt as an intake limiter in a self- feeder offers several advantages. The purpose of this article is to review recent research that demonstrates the effectiveness of using salt as an intake limiter for grazing cattle.