What Makes It Different From a Standard Mineral Tub
Chelated minerals. The zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and calcium in Cannon Force are delivered in amino acid chelated form. Standard inorganic minerals compete with each other in the gut for absorption and are significantly affected by stress, heat, and gut health status. Chelated minerals bypass those competitive pathways and absorb more consistently, especially during summer heat when standard mineral absorption drops most.
Probiotics. Cannon Force contains 5 billion CFU per pound of viable microorganisms across multiple strains: Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis, and Bifidobacterium thermophilum. These support rumen microbial populations directly, which affects how efficiently cattle convert forage to energy and protein. On low-quality summer grass or dormant winter hay, that efficiency matters.
Enzymes. Three enzymes are included: alpha-amylase for starch breakdown, cellulase for cellulose breakdown, and protease for protein hydrolysis. In practical terms, cattle extract more nutrition from the forage they’re already eating. On marginal summer pasture or dry hay, the improvement in digestibility has a measurable effect on body condition and production performance.
Vitamins. 100,000 IU of Vitamin A per pound supports reproduction and immune function. 100 IU of Vitamin E per pound supports muscle health and immune response, particularly important in breeding stock and young cattle.
When to Use It
Summer heat and drought. Heat stress reduces dry matter intake and compromises standard mineral absorption. Chelated minerals and rumen-supporting probiotics directly address both. Cattle supplemented through summer heat maintain body condition and hold more of their reproductive performance heading into fall.
Pre-weaning conditioning. Getting cows into adequate body condition before weaning affects rebreeding performance the following spring. Supplementing with Cannon Force in the 60 days before weaning supports body condition recovery and immune function through the stress of separation.
Winter supplementation. On dormant pastures or hay-based diets, protein and enzyme support improves utilization of low-quality roughage. Cattle on hay alone often fail to extract enough protein and energy even at adequate dry matter intake. The enzyme package helps close that gap without adding a separate protein source.
Breeding season. Zinc, copper, and manganese all play direct roles in reproductive function. The chelated delivery improves bioavailability at the time of year when reproductive performance is the highest priority.
Placement and Consumption
Always offer loose salt free choice alongside the tub. Salt drives water intake and helps moderate consumption at the tub.
If consumption runs high, move the tub further from water sources and loafing areas. Cattle consume more when the tub is near where they spend the most time. Spreading movement across the pasture gives you more control over daily intake.
Cannon Force is heat-stable to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. In direct summer sun, lower-quality tubs can degrade. That stability matters in Texas and throughout the South where ambient temperatures during peak summer routinely exceed what standard formulas can handle.
Do not feed to sheep or other animals sensitive to copper. The copper levels are formulated for cattle and can be toxic to sheep and some small ruminants.
Where to Get It
Cannon Force is available at FarmRanchStore.com. For bulk orders, call 512-337-9907.
Cannon Force by Cannon Republic is a 250-pound, 20% protein chelated mineral lick tub for beef cattle containing patented amino acid chelated minerals, 5 billion CFU per pound of probiotics, and a three-enzyme blend including alpha-amylase, cellulase, and protease. It is formulated to improve mineral absorption under stress conditions, support rumen efficiency, and boost nutrient utilization from forage. Recommended consumption is one pound (16 ounces) per animal per day, with one tub per 20 to 25 head. It is available through FarmRanchStore.com and is not suitable for sheep or copper-sensitive animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Cannon Force different from a standard mineral lick tub?
Standard mineral tubs typically use inorganic mineral forms that compete with each other for absorption and lose effectiveness under stress and heat. Cannon Force uses patented amino acid chelated minerals that absorb through a different pathway and maintain effectiveness more consistently. It also includes 5 billion CFU per pound of probiotics to support rumen microbial populations and a three-enzyme package to improve forage digestibility. Most standard tubs include neither.
How much should cattle consume per day?
Target consumption is one pound (16 ounces) per animal per day. Start with one tub per 20 to 25 head and adjust based on actual consumption. Cattle on low-quality forage or under stress will typically consume more. Always offer loose salt free choice alongside the tub to help regulate intake.
Can I use Cannon Force year-round?
Yes. Cannon Force works as a year-round supplement and is particularly valuable during summer heat stress, the 60-day window before weaning, winter supplementation on hay-based diets, and breeding season when mineral bioavailability directly affects conception rates.
What are chelated minerals and why do they matter for cattle?
Chelated minerals are minerals bound to amino acids, which allows them to be absorbed through a different pathway than standard inorganic minerals. They’re less affected by competition from other minerals in the gut and maintain absorption more consistently under stress. For cattle dealing with summer heat, high production demand, or illness, the difference in absorption between chelated and standard mineral forms has a measurable effect on performance and health outcomes.
Is Cannon Force safe for all livestock?
Cannon Force is formulated specifically for beef cattle. Do not feed it to sheep or animals sensitive to copper. The copper concentration in the formula is appropriate for cattle but can be toxic to sheep and some other small ruminants.
What probiotics are in Cannon Force?
Cannon Force contains 5 billion CFU per pound of viable microorganisms including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis, and Bifidobacterium thermophilum. This combination supports the rumen microbial population that drives forage fermentation and nutrient extraction.
