Trace minerals play an important role in livestock health, aiding in bodily functions, fertility and reproductive health, and an animal’s overall wellbeing.
A Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, expert says despite their importance, trace mineral imbalances are easy to overlook — at least until a health issue occurs.
As we shift seasons from spring to summer, the available nutrition and supplementation that was sufficient for livestock a few months ago may now be lacking. Brandon Dominguez, DVM, veterinary services section head at TVMDL, shares the importance of nutritional assessments and how livestock producers can mitigate future issues through diagnostic testing.
What are trace minerals?
As the name suggests, trace minerals are elements the body needs in small amounts. The trace minerals most nutritionally essential for livestock are copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc.
Animals cannot naturally synthesize trace minerals and must receive them from their diets. In the case of livestock, nutrient quality and availability may vary depending on the season, environment and access to supplementation.
“Often, the diseases and problems we see are related to nutrition,” Dominguez says. “Animals can look like they are in good condition and growing well, but they may actually have an imbalance of important trace minerals affecting their health and production.”
Signs of a mineral imbalance
Producers should consider testing animals for trace mineral imbalances if they begin to experience production problems, such as poor reproductive performance. Testing may also be considered when animals display clinical signs with no obvious infectious cause or if signs start after a change in feed.
“These minerals are parts of enzymes and molecules that the body needs. They help with oxygen transport and activate various metabolic pathways,” Dominguez says. “When there is an imbalance, you can see a variety of symptoms. With a copper deficiency, for example, we may see a lightening or graying of the hair coat in cattle. Low copper levels can affect immunity and cause poor growth and reproductive performance.”
Though many health conditions are associated with a deficiency in trace minerals, he says some can also be caused by an excess.
“Molybdenum doesn’t have any known effects when it’s deficient,” Dominquez says. “However, in excess, it can cause diarrhea, decreased growth, anemia and stiff-gaited lameness. It also affects the hair, causing a loss of pigmentation.”
Testing for mineral imbalances
Livestock producers interested in testing for mineral imbalances should consult their local veterinarian first. Veterinarians can provide additional insight and provide treatment options if a mineral imbalance isn’t the cause of clinical signs. University and commercial labs across the country can provide trace mineral testing for producers.
Information obtained from Mallory Pfeifer, Texas A&M AgriLife
