Zinc is good for strong hooves; improves udder health and greatly contributes to good quality milk. [Photo, Courtesy]

Trace elements as the name suggests are needed only in small quantities (in milligrams per kilo of feeds). But the animal’s body needs them in a big way. 

When the body doesn’t get adequate supply of trace elements the animal’s production, reproduction and health are negatively affected. Trace elements are only needed in small quantities but they serve a bigger function in the animal’s body. Hence the clinical signs that accompany these mineral deficiencies are equally pronounced and will be seen in reduced growth rates, drop in milk production quality of wool, reduced immunity.

Copper and zinc

Among the most important trace elements are — copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt and selenium. In grazing animals that aren’t supplemented, the deficiency of these trace elements is a major challenge as many forages contain low levels of these important elements. Sometimes these trace elements interact with other minerals in antagonistic ways hindering absorption of some.

A good example is iron and sulfur which interferes with copper absorption. Research has shown that beef cattle have low absorption of these trace elements even when supplemented they will only absorb 5 to 10 per cent of the total. A combination of above factors makes trace elements deficiency a common clinical feature in almost all farms.

Supplementation of animal feeds with trace elements from a mineral mix is thus a routine practice for a healthy herd. It is not enough to supplement but also to be on the lookout of clinical signs that follow their deficiencies.

Even farmers who make sure there are mineral licks have reported these clinical signs. Sometimes it calls for a change in the brand of mineral lick because some promise in the labels more than they offer in ingredients. Reporting such feedback to the manufacturer helps. Equally these trace elements shouldn’t be supplied above their limits as that can result in toxicity.

Copper

Copper deficiency in livestock will present as slow growth rate, reduced milk production, change in skin colour (skin coat appears grayish/brown) the discolouration is common on the ear margins and eyes, anaemia shown by pale mucus membranes and paralysis and stumbling.

Primarily copper deficiency results when animals are fed on deficient diets which can be result from pastures grown in copper deficient soils. Feeding animals for extended periods on green feeds can result in copper deficiency. Copper is readily available in dry feeds. Clovers have good levels of copper. Secondary copper deficiency is caused when copper interacts with other minerals like iron, sulphates and molybdenum.

Zinc

Zinc is good for strong hooves; improves udder health and greatly contributes to good quality milk. Zinc boosts immunity of the animal.

Manganese

Its deficiency results in poor skeletal system, poor growth and reduced fertility. Legumes are rich in manganese. Manganese is deficient in pastures growing in acidic soils or poorly drained soils.

Selenium

Selenium deficiency is clinically shown by wasting of muscles. Selenium deficiency is common in calves and makes the limbs stiff or unable to stand.  When heart muscles are involved the animal can die suddenly without previous signs of sickness.  In adult animals selenium deficiency results in retained afterbirth, lack of heat in female animals, mastitis and poor quality milk. Supplementation of selenium is normally done together with vitamin E.

Cobalt

Cobalt is essential for the production of vitamin B12 in the rumen. Animals deficient in cobalt and vitamin B12 may exhibit the following symptoms: poor appetite, poor body condition, excess production of tears, scaly ears, anaemia, decreased milk production. Young, growing animals and pregnant/lactating animals have the highest requirement for vitamin B12.

Deficiency Prevention

Where clinical signs have been observed trace mineral supplementation should be done immediately. Your vet will advise on whether injections, boluses, drenches, block or loose licks should be applied.

[The writer was the Vet of the Year 2016 and works with the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council – KENTTEC, [email protected]]


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