Pencil-out your supplement cost and then compare it to the market value of the additional weight gains it may produce. As a general rule of thumb, each pound of added weight gain is only worth about 50 cents because of price rollback in the market place. Aside from costs-returns, you also need to consider what those cattle really need in a good pasture supplement.
Most cattle grazing wheat pasture have relatively low supplemental mineral requirements.
Cattle raisers should feed a mineral supplement calcium. Magnesium is of less concern for stocker cattle, but it is a good idea to feed supplements containing magnesium to mature cows in order to prevent grass tetany, the specialist said. Aside from promoting weight gain, experience has shown that Rumensin also helps prevent bloat. Bovatec is a good additive, too, but the cattle will need to ingest at or near the recommended dosage for it to readily enhance gain. Just remember that feeds containing ionophores are not cleared for use in self feeders.