What kind of minerals do they need?

There are many different types of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that deer need to survive, remain healthy and maximize their genetic potential and it is important to find a well-rounded mineral to provide all of these for them.  While a growing antler is comprised mostly of protein (see food plot and feeding program for protein options) a hardened antler actually contains a more equal amount of protein and minerals and as much as 35% of the hardened antler is comprised of Calcium and Phosphorus, the two most important minerals in antler growth.  Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium are the three most common minerals in an antler, so when choosing a mineral, make sure you’re using a complete mineral that offers all of the various minerals important for antler growth, like Antler King® Trophy Deer Mineral.  Minerals work like spokes on the wheel of a bicycle. If a spoke gets “out of whack” the tire wobbles.  A good example is the way Calcium and Phosphorus interact.  Before any Calcium can be transformed into antler growth, enough Phosphorus needs to be present in a deer’s diet AND before these two can interact, enough Vitamin D has to be present.  Calcium and Phosphorus are not the only minerals important for a deer’s body and antlers…Trophy Deer Mineral has 27 different minerals and vitamins and each serves a very important purpose in its exact proportion.  The Macro Minerals; Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, etc. will generally promote body and antler growth and improved digestion, while the Trace Minerals like Copper, Zinc, Selenium, etc. will promote immune system health and help deer fight off disease and infection.  We’ve also included a special yeast culture in our Trophy Deer Mineral which will aid in digestion and feed efficiency, allowing deer to more easily break down and digest the grains, browse and “feedstuffs” they consume and more efficiently use it in body and antler growth. Today, there are many “deer minerals” on the market that have a high level of salt and perhaps a significant level of Calcium but low or virtually no Phosphorus. Calcium and salt are very inexpensive whereas Phosphorus is the most expensive element in a bag of mineral. Look for a balanced deer mineral that has been specifically designed for deer and elk. Make sure it contains Calcium and Phosphorus along with other major minerals, such as Sulfur, Magnesium, Potassium, and all trace minerals including Zinc, Copper, Selenium, and Vitamins A, D, and E.  We do use Sodium in all of our mineral supplements as a transporter of important minerals and vitamins, as straight mineral can have a bitter taste.  While too much Sodium can be the limiting factor in antler and body growth, just the right amount can positively benefit a deer in the Spring and Summer as deer may have a slight Sodium deficiency during these months.