Trace Mineral Nutrition of Grazing Beef Cattle

Abstract

The trace mineral requirements of grazing beef cattle are often complicated by different environmental factors, such as the lack of specific trace minerals or the presence of trace mineral antagonists in forage. Nearly every region of the world has specific implications related to trace mineral nutrition of grazing cattle. Since forage is the most significant contributor to trace mineral nutrition, it is important to consider the concentrations of trace minerals and antagonists and how they may impact the performance of cattle consuming them. This review attempts to provide an update on the trace minerals commonly found to be inadequate in forage, supplementation strategies to address deficiency including a discussion on supplemental trace mineral source, and the complications presented by mineral antagonists. Although the review focuses on beef cattle grazing systems of the United States, the information herein is derived from both extensive native range and intensive planted pasture.

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

“…Concentration of TM in the soil is variable across the USA, several regions containing deficient levels of Se, Zn, Co, and Cu in forages [ 83 ]. Therefore, TM supplementation is highly recommended in those areas where forages do not supply the mineral requirements [ 84 ].…”

Trace Elements in Beef Cattle: A Review of the Scientific Approach from One Health Perspective

“…The elements Cu, Zn, Fe, Se, Mn, Mo, Co, Ni and Cr are considered essential for ruminants and are therefore required for various biochemical and physiological functions of animals. These elements usually need to be added to animal feed to supply nutritional requirements [ 35 , 36 ]. Recent advances in ruminant nutrition have led to establishment of Cr and Ni requirements.…”

“…Few changes have been made in the trace mineral requirements of beef cattle since the sixth edition of the National Research Council (NRC) in 1984 [ 35 ]. However, we have identified a high potential for scientific advances in this area of knowledge with the possible expansion of information on the management of trace elements in livestock, which may be favored by incorporation of the One Health approach in future research.…”

Ruminant Lick Blocks, Particularly in China: A Review

“…It is important to feed LB accurately, which can be measured by an electronic feeder [82] or accelerometer [26]. Ruminants licking an LB is due to their "nutrition wisdom", which stimulates them to seek and consume salt at a level that meets or exceeds their requirement for sodium [83]. Therefore, MB controls the intake mainly by manipulating the salt level.…”