The Effect of Feeding a Rumensin® Containing Free-Choice Mineral to Steers Grazing Native Grass Pastures

Abstract

Previous research has shown that pasture cattle fed a Rumensin (monensin sodium, Elanco Animal Health) containing free-choice mineral consistently gain .05 to .1 kg per day more than cattle fed a non-medicated mineral. Rumensin free-choice mineral is a well balanced mineral mixture which is commercially available from numerous U.S. feed suppliers. Rumensin free-choice mineral is formulated to provide 10% calcium, 6% phosphorus and 24% salt. It contains 1620 grams of Rumensin per 909 kg and, when consumed daily at 28 to 114 g per head provides 50 to 200 mg of Rumensin per animal. This study was conducted to provide additional information relative to mineral consumption and weight gain of pasture cattle offered Rumensin free-choice mineral.