Effect of supplemental summer mineral containing Aureomycin for Anaplasmosis control or Rumensin for feed efficiency on beef cowherd performance

Mineral supplements to the cowherd during summer grazing are an important management practice to improve cow and calf health and performance. Mineral supplements provided to the cowherd can contain Aureomycin for the control of active anaplasmosis infections or Rumensin to improve feed efficiency and coccidiosis control. This study compared the effects of supplying a mineral supplement containing Aureomycin or Rumensin with a nonmedicated control mineral. Cow measurements including cow weight, weight gain, and pregnancy rate were not influenced by medicated supplementation. Lush pasture conditions and an extensive post partum period may have contributed to the lack of response typically noted with medicated supplements. Calf weaning weight and weight gain were increased by 19 lbs for Aureomycin and Rumensin-containing supplements compared with nonmedicated control supplements. Explanations for increased calf weight gain could not be determined from study measurements. Aureomycin supplementation reduced the incidence of foot rot in cows and calves compared with those receiving mineral containing Rumensin. Including Aureomycin in mineral supplements supplied to the cowherd during summer grazing results in improved calf performance and cow and calf health.