Mineral supplements are an important part of many livestock feeding programs, but providing those supplements in the pasture requires more than simply choosing the right mineral product. The feeder also needs to fit the type of supplement, the livestock using it, and the conditions where it will be placed.

Barn World offers a variety of Mineral Feeders at Barn World, including ground, upright, wind-vane, pasture, sheep, and trough-style designs. Comparing the different styles can help you find a practical way to keep supplements available and protected from the weather.

What Are Mineral Feeders and Mineral Licks?

A mineral feeder is equipment designed to hold and provide livestock with access to a mineral supplement. Depending on the feeder and the product being used, supplements may include loose minerals, mineral blocks, salt, or liquid products.

The term mineral lick is commonly used for products that livestock consume by licking, including salt and mineral blocks as well as liquid supplements delivered through lick-wheel feeders.

The feeder is simply the delivery system. The appropriate mineral or nutritional supplement should be selected according to the needs of the livestock, the available forage, and the recommendations for the particular supplement.

Choosing a Mineral Feeder for Your Livestock

There is no single mineral feeder that fits every livestock operation. The right design depends on several practical considerations.

• Type of supplement: Determine whether you will be feeding loose minerals, blocks, salt, or a liquid supplement.
• Livestock: Consider the size and type of animals that will use the feeder.
• Number of animals: A larger group may require greater capacity or more than one feeding location.
• Location: Pasture feeders need to work well in an outdoor environment.
• Weather: Consider the amount of protection needed from rain, snow, wind, and other conditions.
• Maintenance: The feeder should be convenient to inspect, refill, clean, and service.

Thinking about these factors first makes it easier to narrow down the available feeder styles.

Ground Mineral Feeders

Ground mineral feeders sit directly on the ground and give livestock easy access to solid mineral supplements. Their low profile makes them a straightforward option for pasture feeding and larger groups of animals.

Many ground feeders use a flap, hood, or covered design to help protect the mineral from rain and other weather conditions. Some models also provide multiple compartments for holding different supplements.

Ground feeders can be a practical choice when cattle need easy access without having to reach into an elevated feeder. When selecting one, consider its overall size, capacity, construction, and the type of livestock that will be using it.

Barn World's current selection includes several ground mineral feeders at Barn World in different designs and configurations.

Upright Mineral Feeders

Upright mineral feeders raise the supplement above ground level and typically use a hood or cover to help protect the contents from the elements.

This design can be especially useful in open pasture where rain and wind can be concerns. An elevated feeding area can also help keep the supplement farther away from mud, dirt, and ground moisture.

Some upright models use wind-vane designs that allow the covered portion of the feeder to rotate around its base as wind direction changes. This can provide additional weather protection in exposed pasture locations.

Wind-Vane Mineral Feeders

A wind-vane mineral feeder is designed so the covered portion can rotate with changing wind conditions. The goal is to help keep the feeder opening positioned away from the wind while protecting the supplement underneath the hood.

Wind-vane feeders can be useful in open areas where there is little protection from prevailing winds. When comparing these feeders, look at the base design, rotation mechanism, opening size, capacity, and materials.

Barn World's Mineral Feeders at Barn World include wind-vane models as well as other designs for outdoor livestock feeding.

Lick Tanks for Liquid Mineral Supplements

Liquid mineral supplements require a different type of feeding equipment than loose minerals or blocks. Lick tanks use a reservoir to hold the liquid supplement and provide access through one or more lick wheels.

The lick wheel rotates as livestock use it, allowing the animals to consume the liquid supplement from the feeding surface. The feeder should be compatible with the particular liquid product being used, and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed for filling, cleaning, and maintenance.

When comparing lick tank feeders, consider the capacity of the tank, number of lick wheels, construction, location, and number of animals that will have access to it.

Mineral Feeders for Cattle

Cattle are a common application for outdoor mineral feeders, particularly in pasture-based operations. Because the feeder may remain outside for extended periods, weather protection and durable construction are important considerations.

The feeder also needs to provide appropriate access for the cattle using it. Large mature cattle, horned cattle, calves, and other livestock may have different access requirements.

For larger herds, consider both feeder capacity and the number of animals expected to use it. Depending on the operation, one larger feeder or multiple feeding locations may be appropriate.

Mineral Feeders for Sheep and Other Livestock

Mineral feeders are not limited to cattle. Sheep and other livestock may also need access to salt or mineral supplements, although their nutritional requirements and feeding methods can differ.

A feeder designed for large cattle may not be the best choice for smaller livestock. Consider the height, opening, capacity, and overall design in relation to the animals that will use it.

Barn World's current collection includes an upright sheep mineral feeder along with other feeder styles for different livestock applications.

Protecting Minerals From Rain and Weather

One of the primary advantages of a purpose-built mineral feeder is that it can help protect supplements from outdoor conditions.

Rain can add moisture to solid minerals, while wind can move loose material out of an uncovered feeder. Snow, mud, and prolonged exposure to the elements can also make supplement management more difficult.

Covered, hooded, and wind-vane designs provide different levels of protection. The right amount of protection depends on the feeder location and the weather conditions in that area.

Mineral Feeder Capacity Matters

Capacity is an important consideration when choosing a feeder. A feeder that is too small may require frequent refilling, particularly when used by a larger group of animals.

A larger feeder can hold more supplement, but it may also take up more space and be more difficult to move or service. Consider the number of animals using the feeder, expected consumption, and how frequently you want to refill it.

Capacity should also be considered alongside access. A large-capacity feeder is not necessarily the right choice if the animals cannot comfortably reach the supplement.

Where Should a Mineral Feeder Be Located?

Feeder location can affect both livestock access and how easy the equipment is to maintain.

Place the feeder where the intended animals can reach it easily and where you can regularly inspect and refill it. Avoid locations that routinely become excessively muddy or difficult to reach with maintenance equipment.

For pasture applications, consider the feeder's distance from water, shade, fencing, gates, and other areas where livestock naturally spend time. The goal is to provide convenient access without creating unnecessary congestion around the feeding area.

Keeping Mineral Feeders Clean and Maintained

Outdoor livestock equipment needs regular attention, and mineral feeders are no exception. Check the feeder periodically for accumulated moisture, damaged components, worn covers, and other conditions that could affect access to the supplement.

Keep the area around the feeder reasonably clean and check that the supplement remains suitable for use. If the feeder has moving components, such as a rotating hood or lick wheels, inspect those parts as recommended by the manufacturer.

Routine inspection also gives you an opportunity to make sure the feeder remains stable, accessible, and properly positioned.

Mineral Supplements Are Part of a Larger Feeding Program

A mineral feeder provides a convenient way to deliver supplements, but the feeder itself does not determine what nutrients livestock require.

Mineral requirements can vary based on species, age, production stage, forage, geographic region, and other factors. For that reason, mineral supplementation should be considered as part of the overall feeding program rather than as a replacement for balanced nutrition.

Forage testing and advice from a veterinarian, livestock nutritionist, extension specialist, or other qualified professional can be useful when determining appropriate supplementation for a particular operation.

What to Look for When Buying a Mineral Feeder

Before choosing a mineral feeder, consider the following:

• Supplement type: Choose equipment appropriate for loose minerals, blocks, salt, or liquid supplements.
• Livestock: Make sure the feeder provides suitable access for the animals using it.
• Capacity: Match the size of the feeder to the number of animals and your desired refill schedule.
• Weather protection: Consider the amount of protection needed from rain, wind, snow, and other conditions.
• Construction: Look for materials appropriate for outdoor livestock use.
• Location: Make sure the feeder can be conveniently reached for animals and routine servicing.
• Maintenance: Consider how easily the feeder can be cleaned, inspected, and repaired.

Mineral Feeders at Barn World

Barn World's current Mineral Feeders at Barn World collection includes 13 products in a variety of configurations.

The selection includes ground mineral feeders, upright mineral feeders, an upright sheep feeder, a wind-vane model, a pasture mineral feeder, and trough-style flip-top feeders. This gives livestock owners several options to compare based on the way they provide supplements.

Rather than choosing a feeder based only on price or appearance, compare its capacity, construction, weather protection, access, and intended application.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Mineral Feeders

What is a mineral feeder used for?

A mineral feeder is used to provide livestock with access to mineral supplements, salt, mineral blocks, or, depending on the design, liquid supplements.

What is a mineral lick?

A mineral lick is a supplement that livestock consume by licking. Mineral licks can include salt or mineral blocks as well as liquid supplements provided through lick-wheel feeders.

What type of mineral feeder is best for cattle?

The appropriate feeder depends on the cattle, supplement, herd size, location, and weather conditions. Ground, upright, wind-vane, and trough-style feeders are all options for different applications.

Can mineral feeders be used outside?

Yes. Many mineral feeders are specifically designed for outdoor pasture use. Covered and hooded designs can help protect supplements from rain and other weather conditions.

What is a wind-vane mineral feeder?

A wind-vane mineral feeder can rotate around its base so the covered portion can orient with changing wind conditions. This design is intended to provide additional protection for the supplement in exposed pasture locations.

What can be put in a mineral feeder?

Depending on the feeder, it may be designed for loose minerals, salt, mineral blocks, or liquid supplements. Always verify that the feeder is appropriate for the particular product before using it.

How often should a mineral feeder be checked?

Mineral feeders should be inspected regularly for supplement levels, moisture, cleanliness, and the condition of the feeder. The appropriate inspection schedule depends on the feeder, supplement, weather, and number of animals using it.

Do mineral feeders protect supplements from rain?

Many mineral feeders use hoods, covers, or other designs intended to protect supplements from rain and other weather conditions. The amount of protection varies by feeder design.

Find a Mineral Feeder at Barn World

The right feeder depends on the type of supplement you are providing, the livestock using it, the size of the group, and the conditions where the feeder will be placed.

Ready to compare your options? Browse the Mineral Feeders at Barn World to compare ground, upright, wind-vane, pasture, sheep, and trough-style designs.

Compare capacity, construction, weather protection, and livestock access before choosing a model. The right feeder can make routine supplement management easier while helping keep the product protected and accessible to your animals.