How can Vitamins be supplemented?
Vitamin A and E can be given by injection, and will last about 2-3 months. Injections should be done twice during the winter months. Typically vitamin A and D are together in one solution with only enough vitamin E present to prevent deterioration of the two vitamins. A second product is required to supply adequate amounts of vitamin E to the animal. Forced feeding of vitamins in a grain mix or in a silage based ration is the preferred method of providing vitamins to livestock. Each animal will obtain some vitamin everyday. Free choice supplementation of vitamins through a free choice mineral supplement, protein lick or block, or in a salt/mineral/vitamin mix is not consistent. Variability of intake both on a daily basis and a grams/head/day can create deficiencies and excesses. Intake must be monitored to ensure proper supplementation levels.
