Steer is eating rocks/dirt

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mn55

Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2015
Messages
16
My steer has been eating rocks and making an effort to lick dirt every chance he gets. Also every now and then he decides to chew on wood. I know it must be some type of mineral/vitamin deficiency, but what products would anyone recommend?
 

shortyjock89

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 6, 2007
Messages
4,465
Location
IL
Kent 365, Vitaferm Cattlemens blend, Or any other reputable all purpose mineral.

We put it out for all of our animals.

Feeding a product lIke Sure Champ will also help make sure your calf's nutritional needs are met.
 

DLD

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 15, 2007
Messages
1,539
Location
sw Oklahoma
He definitely needs a mineral source, but I'd offer him free access to a salt block, too.  Part of it may be just boredom - better he's licking a salt block than the dirt.
 

Peridot

New member
Joined
Jul 1, 2016
Messages
4
He needs mineral. What type of supplements are in his feed? If he is on a full feed finisher with a good supplement, just get him some type of finishing mineral.

Even cattle on mineral will tend to lick dirt/rocks a little at times. It's a survival instinct from way back before cattle were domesticated so they could get a little bit of mineral in their diet.
 
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