Rain-induced sodium dissolution and loose mineral mixture runoff in uncovered feeders: possible effects on mineral intake, growth performance, and nutritional needs fulfilment of grazing cattle.

The objective was to investigate the effect of rainfall on sodium (Na) dissolution and total losses by runoff of loose mineral mixtures (MM) available in uncovered feeders to grazing cattle, as well as the possible impacts on their growth performance and fulfilment of Na nutritional needs. Experiments ( = 7) were conducted to quantify the amount of Na lost due to rainfall and to evaluate the effects of different Na levels in the MM (35, 70, 105, and 140 g Na/kg) on MM assumed intake and growth performance. Cattle grazed Brachiaria sp.

Association of rainfall pattern with the disappearance of mineral mixtures fed cattle managed on tropical pastures.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between rainfall and the disappearance of mineral mixtures in the supplementation of cattle on pasture. Supplement consumption and rainfall data were obtained from five experiments carried out between 2016 and 2022. The experiments lasted from 84 to 126 days and had 12 to 18 paddocks formed by Brachiaria spp.