Your pasture's quality and availability will affect the need and requirement for supplementary feeding.
It's important to take care when introducing mineral or supplement blocks or pellets. Starting with high doses can cause metabolic disturbances and be harmful or toxic to cattle.
You can introduce supplements and new feeds in small quantities and then slowly increase the percentage of the substance over several weeks. This reduces the likelihood of causing harm and allows your animals' bodies to adapt and use the nutrients.
Copper and selenium
The pastures in the Moreton Bay area are renowned for copper and selenium deficiencies. These two elements are required for growth, fertility and general health.
Some cattle require ruminal boluses (similar to a large multivitamin pill), with copper and selenium to help counteract the effects of insufficient intake through grazing.
Copra meal
Copra meal is high in protein. Moisten or soak it before feeding so it absorbs water and swells.
Urea
Some supplements, such as lick blocks and pellets contain urea.
Urea is a source of nitrogen, which provides energy to rumen microbes through absorption.
Urea is recommended in drought-prone areas.
