Cheap mineral

[cowfarmer]

I have been searching for a question on the subject of mineral. I normally use purina wind and rain, get along great with it, the coop charges about 19 dollars per bag. My nephew has been using an orscheln brand mineral that is some where around 14 dollars per bag. We were comparing what is in them and it's very similar, so Im wondering if I should be paying 5 bucks more a bag,  my only concern is that the orscheln stuff might be a liitle less palatable, any ideas.

[k-289]

We have tried both types and have mixed feelings and results that really can't be tracked except for pricing ---makes one wonder whether the extra price is worth it ---

[Shaggy98]

I'm not real knowledgeable on cattle feeding, but one thing I remember my dad telling me was that if you've got a ration that is working, don't change it.  Said if the animals would go off feed for a few days, you would lose everything you set out to gain.  Not sure if the same applies to mineral.

[itsmetoo92774]

Comparing minerals by the price per bag and the levels of different minerals on the tag doesn't really mean much.  There are different options of minerals compounds that can be used and get the same level, however the digestiabilty and absorbation may be much different.  Its not cheap if they have to eat twice as much to acutally absorb the same amount.  Minerals vary a great deal depending on salt levels and compounds used.  My opinion is a cheap mineral is just a cheap mineral.  A higher priced mineral is a better mineral.  Yes mineral is getting very high, however having the right mineral program and getting one more cow to breed back pays for a lot of mineral.  Yes, I know its not really possible to measure the benefit of minerals but its one place I'm not willing to cut corners.  I have been using Purina Wind N Rain the last few years and have been very happy.  I know there is a lot of research backing up the product.  I also don't have to carry and hammer and chisel to clean out the feeders everytime mineral gets damp.  

[highyields]

I personally like the finer grind mineral.   I'm 100% sold on this wind and rain, but thats about the only thing I can get.   I feed a minearal with tasco in it to help with heat and humidity.   I can't say it makes a difference or not. 

My purina mineral is $24/bag for 12% P,   and my Orschlens is $23.   Wonder way the difference in price?