|
Research on Trace Mineral Deficiencies
Through animal and forage analyses in Gila
County, we have learned of trace mineral deficiencies in forage and livestock.
The trace minerals most commonly deficient in Arizona forage are copper,
selenium, and zinc. We have identified a long acting trace mineral bolus
manufactured in England which lodges in the cow’s rumen and can
meet animal trace mineral requirements for copper, selenium, and cobalt
for up to six months. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of trace
mineral supplementation, we administered the bolus to one-half of the
cow herd on the University of Arizona V Bar V Ranch http://cals.arizona/edu/vbarv/.
The other one-half of the cow herd did not receive a bolus and functioned
as a control group. Differences in cow and calf copper and selenium were
evaluated by both treatment, breed, and cow age. Important differences
were also reported for forage trace mineral levels by year, including
the 2002 drought year. Complete findings of the research are contained
in the pdf files listed in the sidebar.
Important production traits related to reproduction, milk
production, and calf weaning weight, are also continuing to be evaluated
using Hereford cows and a composite breed at the V-V Ranch.
Using an orally administered trace mineral supplement as opposed
to free choice cafeteria style salt licks has advantages in that we know
the cows are actually receiving the supplement. Also, it is easier to
let cattle pack the bolus around, which lodges in their reticulum, than
packing bags or blocks of trace mineral supplements to cows for cafeteria
style feeding. This research reports available here commenced in 2000
and ended in 2002. Current research commenced in 2005 and will continue
until 2008 or 2009.
|
Links
for Trace Mineral Research Results:
2005
Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report: Trace Minerals for Cattle
Effects
of a Long Acting Trace Mineral Rumen Bolus upon Range Cow Productivity
Effects
of a Long Acting Trace Mineral Rumen Bolus upon Range Cow and Calf Trace
Mineral Profiles
Does
Mineral Supplementation Pay?
Peer
Reviewed Journal of Animal Science Paper on Trace Minerals for Range Cows |
One of the Brahman cross cows being used in the 2000 to
2002 research trial on the V-V Ranch. In addition to Brahman crosses,
we used Hereford cows & a 4-breed composite crossbred. The research
has shown that breed types differ in trace mineral absorption and efficiency.
|
A graduate student from Texas A & M University obtains
a liver sample from a cow on the V-V Ranch to assess trace mineral concentration.
In this cooperative project, reserchers from the University of Arizona
and TAMU are determining the effects of trace mineral supplementation
upon cow well-being and productivity. The project leader for this $33,000
grant is Jim Sprinkle. |
