Trace minerals play an important role in the health of livestock. They aid in bodily functions, offspring production, and the overall health of the animal. Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryTVMDL experts said that despite their importance, trace mineral imbalances are often overlooked, at least until they cause health problems.
As Texas moves into the summer months, nutrients and supplements that were sufficient for livestock a few months ago may now be in short supply. Veterinarian Brandon Dominguez, TVMDL’s director of veterinary services, explains the importance of nutritional assessments and how livestock producers can mitigate future problems through diagnostic testing.
What are trace minerals?
As the name suggests, trace minerals are elements that the body requires in small amounts. The most important trace minerals nutritionally for livestock are copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc.
Animals cannot naturally synthesize trace minerals and must obtain them through their diet. For livestock, the quality and availability of nutrients can vary depending on the season, environment and availability of supplements.
“A lot of the diseases and problems we see are nutrition-related,” Dominguez says. “Animals may appear healthy and thriving, but in reality they may have an imbalance of important trace minerals that is impacting their health and productivity.”
Signs of mineral imbalance
Producers should consider testing animals for trace mineral imbalances when they begin to see production issues such as reduced reproductive performance. Testing may also be considered when animals show clinical signs without an obvious infectious cause or if symptoms appear following a feed change.
“These minerals are part of enzymes and molecules the body needs; they help transport oxygen and activate different metabolic pathways,” says Dominguez. “When they’re out of balance, you can see a variety of symptoms. For example, a copper deficiency can cause a cow’s coat to thin or turn gray. Low copper levels weaken the immune system and reduce growth and reproductive performance. In sheep, low copper levels can cause problems with the development of the lambs’ spine, eventually leading to a hunched back and paralysis or limited movement in their hind legs.”
Many health conditions are linked to trace mineral deficiencies, but some are also caused by excess intake, he said.
“Molybdenum deficiency has no known effects, but excess can cause diarrhea, slow growth, anemia and lameness with a stiff gait,” Dominguez says. “It also affects the coat, causing a loss of pigment. In wool, the wool can feel like steel.”
Mineral balance test
TVMDL can panel test for all seven minerals at once or test for each mineral individually.
“The advantage of a panel is that minerals interact with each other,” Dominguez says, “so if one mineral is out of range, it can cause symptoms that make it seem like another mineral is out of range as well.”
TVMDL accepts a variety of sample types, including blood, serum, liver biopsies, feed, etc. Testing can also be done on herds or individual animals. For herd testing, Dominguez recommends taking samples of at least 10 to 15 animals to represent the overall condition of the herd.
Farmers interested in testing for mineral imbalances should first consult with their local veterinarian, who can provide additional information and treatment options if a mineral imbalance is not the cause of the clinical signs.
For more information about TVMDL’s livestock testing services, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call the College Station diagnostic laboratory at 979-845-3414 or Canyon diagnostic laboratory at 806-651-7478.
