Effects of organic complexed or inorganic Co, Cu, Mn and Zn supplementation during a 45-day preconditioning period on productive and health responses of feeder cattle

Abstract

This experiment evaluated production and health parameters among cattle offered concentrates containing inorganic or organic complexed sources of supplemental Cu, Co, Mn and Zn during a 45-day preconditioning period. In total, 90 Angus×Hereford calves were weaned at 7 months (day -1), sorted by sex, weaning BW and age (261±2 kg; 224±2 days), and allocated to 18 drylot pens (one heifer and four steers per pen) on day 0; thus, all pens had equivalent initial BW and age. Pens were randomly assigned to receive a corn-based preconditioning concentrate containing: (1) Cu, Co, Mn and Zn sulfate sources (INR), (2) Cu, Mn, Co and Zn complexed organic source (AAC) or (3) no Cu, Co, Mn and Zn supplementation (CON). From day 0 to 45, cattle received concentrate treatments (2.7 kg/animal daily, as-fed basis) and had free-choice access to orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), long-stem hay and water. The INR and AAC treatments were formulated to provide the same daily amount of Co, Cu, Mn and Zn at a 50-, 16-, 8- and ninefold increase, respectively, compared with the CON treatment. On day 46, cattle were transported to a commercial feedlot, maintained as a single pen, and offered a free-choice receiving diet until day 103. Calf full BW was recorded on days -1 and 0, 45 and 46, and 102 and 103 for average daily gain (ADG) calculation. Liver biopsy was performed on days 0 (used as covariate), 22 and 45. Cattle were vaccinated against respiratory pathogens on days 15, 29 and 46. Blood samples were collected on days 15, 29, 45, 47, 49, 53 and 60. During preconditioning, mean liver concentrations of Co, Zn and Cu were greater (P⩽0.03) in AAC and INR compared with CON. No treatment effects were detected (P⩾0.17) for preconditioning feed intake, ADG or feed efficiency. No treatment effects were detected (P⩾0.48) for plasma concentrations of antibodies against Mannheimia haemolytica, bovine viral diarrhea types 1 and 2 viruses. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations were similar among treatments (P=0.98). Mean plasma cortisol concentration was greater (P⩽0.04) in CON compared with INR and AAC. No treatment effects were detected (P⩾0.37) for cattle ADG during feedlot receiving. Hence, INR and AAC increased liver concentrations of Co, Zn and Cu through preconditioning, but did not impact cattle performance and immunity responses during preconditioning and feedlot receiving.

Effects of dietary zinc source on the metabolic and immunological response to lipopolysaccharide in lactating Holstein dairy cows

“…Surprisingly, despite hypercortisolemia, we observed no effect or even improved PMN function (i.e., increased MPO exocytosis) following LPS infusion. Additionally, LPS-AvZn cows had decreased circulating cortisol relative to LPS-CON cows, which agrees with previous studies (Dang et al, 2013;Lippolis et al, 2017). Explanations for why AvZn-induced decreased cortisol did not affect PMN function are not clear; however, cortisol concentrations had almost returned to baseline values before PMN isolation, and it is not clear how long neutrophils need to be exposed to corticosteroids before becoming less functional.…”

Trace Minerals Supplementation with Great Impact on Beef Cattle Immunity and Health

“…During the last decades, numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of oral TM supplementation on beef cattle immunity, health and performance [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. However, other studies have shown marginal or insignificant effects of oral TM supplementation on beef cattle metabolism, growth, immunity and health [ 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 ]. Many of these studies have provided inconsistent results due to differences in mineral forms supplemented (organic versus inorganic), high variability in TM concentration in control diets, the animals’ TM requirements and initial TM status, variation in animal intake and absorption, chemical mineral interactions and antagonisms, level of stress, and differences in experimental models and endpoints.…”

Effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to cow-calf pairs grazing native range

“…Similarly, Arthington and Swenson (2004) reported comparable responses in calf BW at weaning in response to organic or inorganic trace mineral supplementation offered free-choice or limit-fed to the cow-calf pair grazing winter pasture over a 3-year period. In preconditioned beef calves assigned to receive a trace mineral supplement or a control diet, growth performance traits and ADG were similar regardless of dietary trace mineral treatment ( Lippolis et al, 2017 ). In addition, although parity of the dam was impactful for suckling calf performance and BW gain, these results were not surprising as older cows typically raise a heavier calf compared with young cows ( Brinks et al, 1962 ).…”