04/26/2021
What is the trace mineral status of your herd and why is it important? Trace minerals consist of inorganic elements that exist in small concentrations in an animal’s tissues. These key minerals are essential in the diet and have important functions in growth and development, physiologic function, and production. Deficiencies or toxicities in any of these minerals can have serious consequences for individual animals as well as your herd. The minerals we focus on due to frequency in disturbances include cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. Your veterinarian can help you determine the mineral status of your herd through blood and liver biopsy samples. This information can provide your nutritionist valuable information on dietary supplementation to ensure your animals' health and productivity.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749072011000065?via%3Dihub