What is the term for a mineral fed as a separate feed to livestock?

The term for a mineral fed as a separate feed to livestock is a supplement. This is because supplements are specifically designed to provide additional nutrients that may be lacking in the primary diet of the animals, such as vitamins and minerals. In livestock nutrition, supplements can include various feed additives that enhance the overall nutritional balance, ensuring that the animals receive all necessary elements for optimal health, growth, and production.

In contrast, concentrates are energy-dense feeds that primarily provide carbohydrates and proteins but are not specifically focused on minerals. Forage refers to plant material like grasses and legumes, typically high in fiber and used primarily for grazing livestock. Additives generally encompass a broader range of substances utilized in feed, including preservatives, flavor enhancers, and sometimes medications, but do not specifically refer to mineral supplements used as separate feeds. Therefore, the correct label for minerals provided alone to livestock is indeed a supplement.