Trace minerals play a vital role in reproductive processes. Requirements for cattle increase significantly around the time of joining, and again at calving. Act now to optimise trace mineral and vitamin levels in heifers and cows that are due to calve and also in heifers, cows and bulls that are about to be joined.
Trace minerals and vitamins are essential to many body functions, such as growth, immune defence, fertilisation, maintenance of pregnancy and lactation. They are absorbed by cattle when pasture and soil are consumed. Copper, selenium, manganese, zinc and cobalt are among the most important trace minerals in cattle1. However, they are also amongst the most common mineral deficiencies in livestock in Australia2.
Sub-optimal mineral balance at critical times such as joining and calving can mean that the increased trace mineral and vitamin requirements at these times are not met for high performing herds. Supplementation of trace minerals to achieve optimum health and reproductive performance is an important part of any cattle health management plan.
There are many areas, particularly in southern Australia, that are at risk of copper, selenium, zinc and cobalt deficiencies2. In northern Australia, deficiencies in copper and cobalt have also been reported2. Since cobalt is a precursor of vitamin B12, a deficiency in this trace mineral also results in deficiency of vitamin B12, which plays a critical role in energy metabolism.
Trace mineral availability depends on many factors including: type of soil, application of certain fertilisers, seasonal fluctuations in pasture, as well as the age and reproductive status of the animal.
It’s important to understand the risk of deficiencies to then take steps to correct or prevent imbalances. A first place to start is by asking neighbours, veterinarians or health advisors about known deficiencies in your area. A more detailed approach can be taken by conducting specific tests on soil, plants and cattle, and/or assessing the response to supplementation, in consultation with your veterinarian or cattle health advisor.
Once deficiencies have been identified, pasture and animal management can be considered.
Top dressing of pastures is a management option for some trace minerals (e.g., copper, selenium and cobalt) however, the response can be variable and dressing can be expensive. Trace mineral management of pastures should be planned with advice from an agronomist.
Animal trace mineral and vitamin supplements are available in the form of mineral blocks, drenches, capsules and injections. There are pros and cons to consider for each form, such as duration of action, variability of intake, accuracy of dosing, convenience of administration and trace mineral composition of the supplement. In this regard, injectable trace minerals offer accurate dosing for every animal, simple administration, and does not rely on the voluntary consumption or individual variability of absorption for different oral supplements.
An injectable supplement such as Marks-Min® Injectable Trace Mineral with Vitamin B12 for Cattle can be strategically timed to support optimal health and reproduction by injecting heifers, cows and bulls 4 weeks before joining then heifers and cows again 4 weeks before calving. It is specifically formulated for cattle and contains selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and vitamin B12.
Management of trace minerals and vitamins is an important factor in supporting the reproductive performance of your herd. Consult your veterinarian or animal health advisor for specific supplementation advice to prepare your heifers, cows and bulls for joining and calving this season.