The Role of Trace Elements in Cattle
Cobalt
Copper
Copper is involved in processes such as bone and connective tissue health and development, and detoxification processes. Loss of hair colouration are the eyes is typically the first sign of a copper deficiency. More server signs include scours, amenia, poor growth, fragile bones (increases bone breakages), and poor reproduction. These animals are typically more susceptible to infection also as immune function is often impacted. Due to copper being stored in the liver, and blood levels fluctuating depending on the animal’s state, blood tests may not accurately represent the copper levels of an animal, therefore liver biopsies are the preferred method for checking for deficiencies.
Iodine
Selenium
Selenium is primarily recognised for its role in immunity, and as an antioxidant. Short term or mild deficiencies of selenium have been related to poor growth and diarrhoea in all stock classes. In breeding cows specifically, additional signs such as increased occurrences of retained foetal membranes, metritis and udder swelling and mastitis are also common. White muscle disease is also caused by selenium deficiency.