Most fertility problems on farm don't start during breeding season — they start weeks before the bull ever goes out. A cow that's mineral-deficient in spring is already behind before she's presented for service. The solution is simple, and the results are measurable.
Breeding season is the single biggest profit driver on a livestock farm. Every empty cow at the end of service represents a missed calf, a delayed lactation, and margin you can't recover. The good news? A targeted fertility mineral programme — started 6 to 8 weeks before breeding — consistently improves conception rates, reduces losses, and pays for itself many times over.
Here are the five benefits we see most consistently from farmers using TERRA NutriTECH Fertility Minerals.
5 proven benefits of feeding breeding minerals
Higher conception rates
Key trace elements — selenium, zinc, iodine, and cobalt — play a direct role in egg quality, ovulation, and successful implantation. Deficiencies in any one of these minerals can silently suppress conception rates without obvious visible signs. A correctly mineralised cow gives the breeding programme the best possible start.
Stronger, more regular oestrus cycles
Mineral status has a direct effect on hormonal balance. Cows with adequate iodine and selenium cycle more reliably and show clearer signs of heat — making them easier to detect and easier to get in calf. Poor cycling is one of the most common and most expensive fertility problems on Irish and UK farms, and it's frequently mineral-driven.
Reduced early embryo loss
The first three weeks after conception are the most vulnerable. Vitamins A and E, alongside selenium and zinc, provide the antioxidant protection the developing embryo needs during this critical window. Early embryo loss often goes undetected — the cow appears to not have held to service when in reality she lost the pregnancy in the first fortnight. Targeted mineral supplementation significantly reduces this risk.
Shorter calving interval
A cow that holds to first service and returns to heat quickly has a far tighter calving interval — and a tighter calving pattern means more calves at the start of the season when they're worth most. Well-mineralised cows post-calving resume cycling faster, giving them more opportunity to be served and hold within your target window.
Healthier, stronger calves from day one
The minerals you feed a cow in the run-up to and during pregnancy pass through to the calf in utero. Calves born to well-mineralised dams have stronger immune systems, better colostrum absorption, and lower rates of white muscle disease and ill-thrift in the first weeks of life. The investment in the cow pays a dividend in the calf.
"The cows that struggle at breeding this year were deficient six weeks ago. You can't correct mineral status overnight — you have to plan ahead of the season, not react to it."
When to start — and why timing matters
The most common mistake farmers make with fertility minerals is starting too late. By the time the bull is out, it's too late for minerals to meaningfully influence the eggs being ovulated in the first week of service — those follicles were developing for the past 60 to 80 days.
We recommend starting TERRA NutriTECH Fertility Minerals a minimum of 6 weeks before your planned service start date, and ideally 8 weeks. This ensures mineral reserves are fully replenished and that the reproductive system is functioning at its best from day one of the breeding period.
For dairy herds, this typically means beginning supplementation in early spring alongside your normal herd health programme. For beef and suckler herds, time it to align with your planned bull-out date.
Why precision dosing makes the difference
Not all mineral supplementation is equal. Loose minerals and boluses rely on the animal self-selecting or on a single-dose approach that doesn't account for daily metabolic needs. TERRA NutriTECH's precision dosing technology delivers the right amount of mineral to every animal, every day — through the water supply — with no stress, no handling, and no guesswork.
The result is consistent mineral status across your entire herd, not just the cows that choose to eat enough loose mineral or the ones that happened to get a bolus that landed correctly.
Limited time offer — FREE Mineral Dosing System with your fertility mineral order
Start your breeding season with the right foundation. Order €1000 or more TERRA NutriTECH Fertility Minerals now and receive a precision mineral dosing system at no extra cost. Speak directly to Ronan who will size the system to your herd and get you set up before the season opens. T&C's apply.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my herd is mineral deficient?
The most reliable method is blood or liver sampling through your vet or an accredited laboratory. Common indicators include poor conception rates, irregular cycling, high rates of repeat breeding, and weak or ill-thrifty calves. Many herds are subclinically deficient — meaning there are no dramatic symptoms, just quietly reduced performance. Contact Ronan on (087) 708 6714 to discuss testing options.
Can I over-supplement minerals?
Yes — some minerals, particularly copper and selenium, can be toxic at high levels. This is why precision dosing matters. TERRA NutriTECH's system delivers a controlled, consistent daily dose calibrated to your herd's requirements and your local mineral profile, eliminating the risk of over-supplementation that can occur with loose minerals or incorrectly placed boluses.
Does it work for both dairy and beef herds?
Yes. TERRA NutriTECH Fertility Minerals are suitable for dairy cows, beef cows, and suckler herds. The precision dosing system works through the water supply, making it equally effective across all systems without requiring additional labour or handling. Speak to Ronan to get a recommendation tailored to your system and herd size.
Take action before the season opens
Fertility is the single biggest driver of profitability on a livestock farm — and it's one of the areas where precise, consistent nutrition makes a measurable difference. Don't wait until your conception rates come back from the vet to act.
Call Ronan on (087) 708 6714 to discuss your herd, your system, and how TERRA NutriTECH Fertility Minerals can set you up for your best breeding season yet — with a free dosing system included while the offer lasts.
TERRA NutriTECH — Precision Minerals. Smart Technology. Better Fertility.
Every Animal. Every Time. Proven.