Providing livestock with mineral supplements is an important part of a complete feeding program. The right mineral feeder makes it easier to provide supplements where animals can access them while helping protect the contents from weather and unnecessary waste.

Mineral feeders are available in several designs, and the best choice depends on the type of supplement being used, the animals being fed, the number of animals in the group, and where the feeder will be located.

Barn World offers a selection of mineral feeders for livestock, including ground mineral feeders, upright feeders, wind-vane models, pasture feeders, and trough-style feeders for different feeding applications.

What Is a Mineral Feeder?

A mineral feeder is designed to hold and provide livestock with access to mineral supplements. Depending on the feeder, it may be used for loose minerals, mineral blocks, salt, or liquid supplements.

Many mineral feeders are designed specifically for outdoor use, where protecting supplements from rain, wind, dirt, and other environmental conditions is important.

The feeder itself does not determine what minerals an animal needs. The appropriate supplement and feeding rate should be based on the animal's nutritional requirements and the recommendations for the particular product being fed.

Choosing the Right Mineral Feeder

Mineral feeders come in several configurations, so it is worth considering how and where the feeder will be used before choosing a model.

• Type of supplement: Determine whether you will be feeding loose minerals, blocks, salt, or a liquid supplement.
• Type of livestock: Consider the size and type of animals that need access to the feeder.
• Herd size: Larger groups may require greater capacity or multiple feeding locations.
• Location: Outdoor pasture feeders need to provide appropriate protection from the weather.
• Access: Make sure the feeder is positioned so the intended animals can reach the supplement.
• Maintenance: Choose a design that can be inspected, cleaned, and serviced as needed.

Thinking through these factors can narrow the choices before you compare individual mineral feeders.

Ground Mineral Feeders

Ground mineral feeders sit directly on the ground and provide livestock with access to solid mineral supplements. They are a straightforward option for pasture and outdoor feeding.

Many ground feeders use a covered or hooded design to help protect the minerals from rain and other weather conditions while still allowing cattle to reach the supplement.

Ground feeders can be especially useful for larger groups of cattle because their low profile allows animals to approach the feeder easily. Some models also provide multiple compartments for separating different supplements.

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

Upright Mineral Feeders

Upright mineral feeders elevate the supplement above the ground and use a hood or other covering to provide protection from the elements.

The upright design can be useful for cattle in pasture, particularly when protecting the supplement from rain and wind is a priority. Barn World's Sioux Steel upright mineral feeder uses a wind-vane hood that rotates 360 degrees, allowing the covered portion of the feeder to turn with changing wind conditions.

The upright feeder's beveled opening is designed to accommodate large cattle, including horned cattle, while the elevated tub provides access for calves as well. The current feeder uses a polyethylene hood and tub with a steel base designed for stability.

The original Barn World video below demonstrates the upright mineral feeder and its wind-vane design.

Wind-Vane Mineral Feeders

Wind-vane mineral feeders are designed to use the wind to help position the covered portion of the feeder. The feeder can rotate around its base, helping keep the opening oriented away from prevailing wind conditions.

This design can be useful in open pastures where wind exposure is a concern. Keeping the supplement covered can help reduce exposure to rain and blowing debris.

When comparing wind-vane feeders, consider the size of the opening, the stability of the base, the construction materials, the feeder's capacity, and the type of livestock that will use it.

Barn World's current mineral-feeder collection includes upright wind-vane models as well as a separate wind-vane mineral feeder for producers looking for this style of protection.

Trough and Flip-Top Mineral Feeders

Trough-style mineral feeders provide another option for delivering solid supplements to livestock.

Some models use a flip-top or quick-release top that allows the feeder to be opened for filling and servicing while helping protect the contents when closed.

This style can be useful when you want ground-level access without using a traditional open trough. Barn World's current collection includes both trough flip-top and quick-release flip-top mineral feeders.

Liquid Mineral and Lick Feeders

Liquid supplements require a different type of feeder than loose minerals or blocks. Lick-tank designs use a reservoir to hold liquid supplements and provide access through lick wheels.

The feeder needs to be appropriate for the specific liquid product being used, and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed for filling, cleaning, and maintenance.

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

Mineral Feeders for Cattle

Cattle are one of the primary applications for outdoor mineral feeders. Because cattle feeders are often placed in pastures, protection from weather is an important consideration.

The feeder should also be large and stable enough for the cattle using it. Horned cattle, large mature cattle, and smaller animals may have different access requirements.

For a large herd, consider both the feeder's capacity and how many animals need access to the supplement. Depending on the operation, one large feeder or multiple feeding locations may make more sense.

Mineral Feeders for Sheep and Other Livestock

Mineral feeders are not limited to cattle. Sheep and other livestock may also require access to salt or mineral supplements, although the appropriate supplement and feeding method can vary by species.

Barn World's current mineral-feeder collection includes an upright sheep mineral feeder as well as other designs intended for different livestock applications.

Always consider the size and behavior of the animals when selecting a feeder. A feeder designed around large cattle may not be the appropriate choice for smaller livestock.

Protecting Minerals From the Weather

One of the main reasons to use a purpose-built mineral feeder is to protect the supplement from outdoor conditions.

Rain can add moisture to solid minerals, while wind can blow loose material away from an uncovered feeder. Snow, mud, and prolonged exposure to the elements can also make an outdoor feeding area more difficult to manage.

Covered and hooded feeder designs provide varying degrees of protection. The amount of protection needed depends on the feeder location and the weather conditions in that area.

Mineral Feeder Capacity

Capacity is another important specification when comparing mineral feeders.

A feeder that is too small may require frequent refilling, particularly when used by a large group of animals. A larger feeder can hold more supplement, but it also takes up more space and may be less convenient to move.

Consider how many animals will use the feeder, how much supplement they are expected to consume, how frequently you want to refill it, and how accessible the feeder will be for servicing.

Mineral Feeder Construction

Outdoor mineral feeders need to withstand exposure to livestock and changing weather conditions, so construction is an important part of the selection process.

Many of the feeders in Barn World's current collection use polyethylene or other materials selected for outdoor livestock applications. Some upright models also use steel support frames for stability.

When comparing feeders, look at the construction of the base, hood, cover, trough, hardware, and any moving components. The feeder should be appropriate for both the environment and the animals using it.

Where Should a Mineral Feeder Be Placed?

Feeder location can affect how convenient the equipment is to use and maintain.

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

For pasture use, consider the distance from water, shade, fencing, gates, and other areas where the animals naturally spend time. The goal is to make the feeder accessible without creating unnecessary congestion around the feeding area.

Mineral Feeder Maintenance

Even a durable mineral feeder needs routine attention. 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 make sure the supplement is still suitable for use. If the feeder has moving parts, such as a rotating hood or lick wheels, inspect those components as recommended by the manufacturer.

Regular maintenance also gives you an opportunity to verify that the feeder is still positioned properly and that the intended animals can use it without difficulty.

Mineral Feeders and Livestock Nutrition

Mineral feeders are a delivery method, not a substitute for a balanced livestock feeding program.

Livestock have different nutritional requirements based on species, age, production stage, forage, geographic region, and other factors. Mineral supplements should be selected and fed according to the recommendations for the particular animals and supplement.

A well-designed feeder can make the practical side of supplementation easier by keeping the product accessible and helping protect it from the environment.

What to Consider Before Buying a Mineral Feeder

Before choosing a feeder, consider:

• Supplement type: Determine whether you need a feeder for loose minerals, blocks, salt, or liquid supplements.
• Animal type: Select a feeder that provides appropriate access for the livestock being fed.
• Capacity: Match the feeder size to the number of animals and your refill schedule.
• Weather protection: Consider how much protection is needed from rain, wind, snow, and sun.
• Construction: Look for materials suited to outdoor livestock use.
• Location: Make sure the feeder can be conveniently reached for both 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 feeder collection includes a range of designs for different livestock-feeding applications.

The current selection includes ground mineral feeders, upright mineral feeders, upright sheep feeders, wind-vane models, pasture mineral feeders, and trough-style feeders. The collection currently contains 13 products, giving livestock owners several configurations to compare.

Comparing the feeder design, capacity, construction, weather protection, and intended livestock can help you find a model that fits the way you manage supplementation.

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, or other nutritional products. The specific type of feeder depends on the supplement being provided.

What type of mineral feeder is best for cattle?

The appropriate feeder depends on the cattle, supplement, herd size, and location. Ground, upright, wind-vane, and trough-style feeders are all available, so consider how the feeder will be used before choosing a model.

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 of the feeder can orient with changing wind conditions. This design is intended to provide additional protection for the supplement in open pasture.

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 to check 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 level of protection varies by feeder design.

Find the Right Mineral Feeder at Barn World

The right mineral 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.

For pasture and livestock applications, browse the Mineral Feeders at Barn World to compare ground, upright, wind-vane, pasture, and trough-style designs.

Compare feeder construction, capacity, weather protection, and access before choosing a model. A properly selected mineral feeder can make routine supplement management more convenient while helping keep the product protected and accessible to your livestock.