Trials performed by Dr Lewis Kahn, at the University of New England have shown that Superior Mineral Supplement provides a SAFE, ECONOMICAL and EFFECTIVE alternative to the use of UREA for winter and drought feeding as well as a natural alternative to products commonly used as an acidosis preventative in grain rations.
Client testimonials relating to the use of these products have suggested benefits such as improved utilization of low quality feeds; reduced grazing pressure; prevention of acidosis during grain feeding; improved conception rates and improved animal health.
However, in an effort to validate these benefits, Dr Lewis Kahn (BRurSc, PhD Animal Science) was commissioned to conduct independent trials at the University of New England, Armidale.
These trials have quantified and confirmed many of the benefits that farmers using Superior Mineral Supplement and Mega Minerals Lick Blocks have reported. (Mega Minerals Lick Blocks are based on Superior Mineral Supplement.)
Trial Objective: To determine the effectiveness of using Superior Mineral Supplement as an alternative to feeding Urea during dry weather and drought conditions.
Animals: 27 Hereford weaner steers with 3 pens (each with 3 animals) per diet. Average weight of stock: 285kg.
Location: Kirby Feedlot, University of New England.
Duration: The trial was conducted over two periods with period one being on low quality feed and period two being an even lower quality feed to simulate deepening drought conditions.
Period 1: Low Quality Feed (64 Days)
The cattle were fed a roughage mix of 80% Barley Chaff and 20% Lucerne Chaff with three pens receiving Superior Mineral Supplement (29 grams/day) and three receiving Urea (75grams/day) as a supplement. As a control, three pens received no supplement. During this period all cattle gained a marginal amount of weight.
Period 2: Drought Feed Ration (49 Days)
To simulate deteriorating fodder quality as would be experienced during a drought, a reduction in the amount of lucerne from 20% to 5% of the ration was implemented in the second trial period. Three pens received Superior Mineral Supplement (44 grams/day) and three receiving Urea (94 grams/day) as a supplement. As a control, three pens received no supplement.
Over the course of the 49-day period, all cattle lost weight with the steers fed Superior Mineral Supplement having the lowest weight loss.
| Control | - 19.8kg |
| Urea | -15.0 kg |
| Superior | - 6.1 kg |
Steers on Superior Mineral Supplement lost less weight than the animals on the control and urea rations. Using the sale price of $2.00 / kg, the charts on the right show the substantial cost savings for the animals that were fed Superior. 
During Winter and drought conditions, reduced weight loss and lower costs for supplements = increased profits for YOU
Following the trials, the cattle were returned to pasture for two months. Animals that had been fed Superior Mineral Supplement during the trial period showed an increased weight gain of 67 grams / day compared to the control group.
“The balanced minerals in Superior Mineral Supplement and Mega Minerals Lick Blocks have reduced grazing demand with the stock being more content. My stock came through the 2002/03 drought in very good condition and have cycled well (95% calving rate…5% higher than in previous years).
I have not used urea as a supplement for over three years now and the digestion of fodder (fibre length in manure) is similar to when I fed urea.” Tim Wright, Grazier, Uralla
There are 104 mineral elements known to exist in the earth’s crust. Many of these are present in minute quantities, however, their importance and role in both animal and soil nutrition is often underestimated.
With optimum soil fertility and good weather conditions animals should obtain an adequate uptake and balance of these macro, trace and ultra trace minerals from the pastures they graze.
Lack of minerals in pasture may be the result of:
While the symptoms of gross deficiencies or excesses are obvious and easily diagnosed by veterinarians or experienced stockmen, the major practical problems are often subclinical deficiencies.
The symptoms may be vague unthriftness or lowered performance, often seasonal in nature. They are so common and widespread that the slightly lowered production or reproduction rates are often considered normal.
Superior Mineral Supplement is a source of broad spectrum earth and sea minerals - providing animals with vital macro, trace and ultra trace elements... naturally.
Superior and Mega Minerals Lick Blocks provide you with a SAFE, economical and effective alternative to Urea.