33 benefits of trace minerals for cattle and why you should supplement them

22 January 2021


Trace minerals for cattle

 

3 minute read

By Jolan Lemmens

Supplementation of the necessary trace minerals improves the overall well-being of cattle: supplemented cattle develop a higher resistance against diseases, reach optimal growth, and have an increased reproduction. These minerals can be supplemented in numerous ways such as lick blocks and ruminal boluses. But what exactly do all these minerals contribute to cattle? To give you an idea of the necessity of trace minerals for cattle we summarized the benefits of copper, cobalt, selenium, zinc, and iodine.


Why should a farmer supplement trace minerals to cattle?

A deficiency in trace minerals is linked to numerous fertility problems, inflammatory diseases, insufficient growth, and other complications affecting the profitability of cattle. We dived into an endless amount of scientific papers and books (drinking liters of amazing Colombian coffee) so you don’ have to and summarized 33 ways in which cattle benefit from the supplementation of trace elements, proving that supplementation is definitely worth the investment.

Trace minerals for cattle



Copper

 Reproduction

  • Less reproductive problems such as early embryonic death and retained placenta
  • Higher fertility because of less delayed or depressed estrus
  • Improved conception rates
  • Higher quality semen production

Growth

  • Growth of tendons and ligaments
  • Involved in energy production

 Resistance

  • Decreased cholesterol with possible health benefits on humans
  • Involved in red cell production

 

Cobalt

 Reproduction

  • Increased fertility
  • Improved conception rate
  • General better conditioning of the calve

Growth

  • Better rumen fermentation by increased fiber digestion of low-quality forages
  • Prevents developmental and growth problems
  • Fewer delays of puberty

Resistance

  • Cobalt plays a role in the development of vitamin B12 which is vital for energy metabolism and the production of red blood cells

 

Selenium

Reproduction

  • Improved conception rate
  • Reduces the cases of retained placenta
  • Fewer calf death losses
  • Overall stronger calves at birth

Growth

  • Increased calf weight

Resistance

  • Fewer cases of mastitis and metritis
  • Helps with the production of antibodies


Zinc 

Growth

  • An increase in daily gain for fattening beef cattle.
  • Bone and cartilage development

Resistance

  • A decreased susceptibility to infection
  • Antioxidant actions (cell protection)

 

Iodine

Fertility

  • Less failure of fertilization
  • Higher conception rate

Growth

  • Improvement of growth
  • Improvement of brain development
  • Less delay of puberty
  • Influences the development of the fetus (Puls, 1994) and the conception rate (Yasothai, 2014).


Mineral boluses for Cattle

 

A bolus is a complementary feed that is becoming more and more popular since it’s an easy and economical solution to enrich an animal's diet. With only one bolus the vitamin and mineral requirements of the herd are covered for a few hours up to six months. Resco developed two different mineral boluses with a slow-release effect ensuring that your cattle’s requirements are met during six months.


High Trace

 

Our trace mineral bolus High Trace is a slow-release cattle supplement designed to prevent a trace mineral deficiency in cattle and improve the overall wellbeing of the cows. High Trace can be used for cows over 250 kg.

Minerals for cattle with a High Trace bolus



Tracetop

 

Tracetop is a mineral bolus containing all the benefits of the High Trace bolus, but with vitamins added to the formula.

Vitamins and minerals for cattle with a Tracetop bolus



High Trace or Tracetop? The choice is yours!





 

Sources

Ceballos-Marquez, A., Barkema, H. W., Stryhn, H., Wichtel, J. J., Neumann, J., Mella, A., Kruze, J., Espindola, M. S., & Wittwer, F. (2010). The effect of selenium supplementation before calving on early-lactation udder health in pastured dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science, 93(10), 4602–4612. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3086

Engle, T. E., & Spears, J. W. (2000). Dietary copper effects on lipid metabolism, performance, and ruminal fermentation in finishing steers. Journal of Animal Science, 78(9), 2452. https://doi.org/10.2527/2000.7892452x

FEEDAP. (2009). Scientific Opinion on the use of cobalt compounds as additives in animal nutrition. EFSA Journal, 7(12), 1383. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1383

Gerloff, B. J. (1992). Effect of selenium supplementation on dairy cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 70(12), 3934–3940. https://doi.org/10.2527/1992.70123934x

Harrison, J. H., & Conrad, H. R. (1984). Effect of Selenium Intake on Selenium Utilization by the Nonlactating Dairy Cow. Journal of Dairy Science, 67(1), 219–223. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(84)81288-6

Hunter, A. P. (1977). Some nutritional factors affecting the fertility of dairy cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 25(11), 305–307. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.1977.34438

Kumar, S. (2003). Management of infertility due to mineral deficiency in dairy animals. Proceedings of ICAR summer school on “Advance diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches to metabolic and deficiency diseases in dairy animals, 128–137.

López-Alonso, M., & Miranda, M. (2020). Copper supplementation, a challenge in cattle. Animals, 10(10), 1890. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101890

Lopez-Guisa, J. M., & Satter, L. D. (1992). Effect of Copper and Cobalt Addition on Digestion and Growth in Heifers Fed Diets Containing Alfalfa Silage or Corn Crop Residues. Journal of Dairy Science, 75(1), 247–256. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(92)77759-5

McChowell, J. M., & Hall, G. A. (1970). Infertility associated with experimental copper deficiency in cattle, sheep, guinea pigs and rats. In Trace element metabolism in animals (C. F. Mills ed., pp. 106–109). ed. E. S. Livingstone, Edinburg.

McClure, T. J., Eamens, G. J., & Healy, P. J. (1986). Improved fertility in dairy cows after treatment with selenium pellets. Australian Veterinary Journal, 63(5), 144–146. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1986.tb02952.x

McDowell, L. R. (2003). Minerals in Animal and Human Nutrition. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Miller, J. K., Ramsey, N., & Madsen, F. C. (1988). . In The ruminant animal: Digestive physiology and nutrition (Church D C ed., pp. 342–400). Englewood Cliffs (N.J.): Prentice-Hall.

Miller, W. J. (1970). Zinc nutrition of cattle: A review. Journal of Dairy Science, 53(8), 1123–1135. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(70)86355-x

O’Dell, L. (1990). . In Present Knowledge in Nutrition (M L Brown ed., pp. 261–267). International Life Sciences Institute-Nutrition Foundation.

Perry, T. W., Beeson, W. M., Smith, W. H., & Mohler, M. T. (1968). Value of zinc supplementation of natural rations for fattening beef cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 27(6), 1674. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas1968.2761674x

Puls, R. (1994). Mineral Levels in Animal Health, Diagnostic Data. Sherpa International.

Reffett, J. K., Spears, J. W., & Brown, T. T. (1988). Effect of Dietary Selenium on the Primary and Secondary Immune Response in Calves Challenged with Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus. The Journal of Nutrition, 118(2), 229–235. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/118.2.229

Spears, J. W., Harvey, R. W., & Segerson, E. C. (1986). Effects of marginal selenium deficiency and winter protein supplementation on growth, reproduction and selenium status of beef cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 63(2), 586–594. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas1986.632586x

Underwood, E. J., & Suttle, N. F. (2001). The Mineral Nutrition of Livestock. CABI Pub.

Yasothai, R. (2014). Importance of minerals on reproduction in dairy cattle. International Journal of Science, Environment and Technology, 3(6), 2051–2057. http://www.ijset.net/journal/446.pdf

Zeleňák, I., Plachá, I., Sviatko, P., Vendrák, T., Siroka, P., & Gyulai, F. (1992). The effect of copper and cobalt supplementation on the digestibility of fibrous feed in sheep. Vet Med (Prague), 37, 221–229. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1641952/


33 benefits of trace minerals for cattle and why you should supplement them

18 November 2024

Exhibitions everywhere? Resco everywhere!

How time passes fast when you're having fun! Resco presented it's products on exhibitions in France, Germany and Rwanda!

22 May 2024

Jolan on tour in Southeast Europe

Jolan Lemmens, our adventurous Business Development Manager, recently embarked on a whirlwind tour of Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia

8 January 2024

Trace elements for calves

Ensuring a high-quality and balanced feed for calves is of great importance in fostering their healthy growth and development. In this article, we look at the role and importance of trace elements for calves.

12 December 2023

Bringing Resco boluses to Bangladesh!

Resco recently embarked on an enlightening journey to Bangladesh. Our destination? The AHCAB International Expo. Our mission? To explore new opportunities, foster partnerships, and witness the local dairy farming sector firsthand.

9 November 2023

Hoof problems in dairy cows: the influence of biotin on hoof health

The importance of maintaining optimal hoof health in dairy cows cannot be overstated, as it directly influences their well-being, productivity, and overall profitability. This article underscores the critical role of proper nutrition. Let's look at the influence of biotin on hoof health.

4 September 2023

Propolis, the natural 'sting' operation against microbes!

Sustainable farming needs innovative solutions. Bee-made propolis offers promise for eco-friendly cattle farming. Discover the secrets of propolis on our blog.

23 August 2023

Resco visits SPACE in France

Between September 12 and 14, the Resco team will be present at the SPACE exhibition in Rennes, France.

2 May 2023

Study on the effectiveness of Calcitop

Calcium boluses come in many shapes and formulas. Calcitop contains not only calcium, but also phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D3. This formula ensures an optimal prevention of milk fever in cattle. A study published in 2021 studied the effect of Calcitop compared to two other calcium boluses.

2 May 2023

Resco showcases boluses and tablets in the USA and Thailand

During the first quarter of 2023 Resco exhibited their boluses and tablets in the USA and in Bangkok.

28 February 2023

Hypokalemia in cattle

Hypokalemia in cattle: what is it? An article about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of potassium deficiency in dairy cows.

16 January 2023

New year, new bolus!

Prevent subclinical milk fever the way nature intended it by stimulating the calcium mobilization from the bones.

20 December 2022

Natural alternatives to antibiotics in cows: how garlic extracts keep the udder healthy

Garlic extracts are known for their antibacterial properties and are widely used as a natural alternative to antibiotics in cows. Read how our boluses Mammitop and Mammitop Clinic support udder health in dairy cows.

29 November 2022

Results of Ketotop trial in China

A trial was done on a Chinese dairy farm to test the influence of the boluses on the occurrence of ketosis. Read the results on this blog.

26 October 2022

How beta-carotene helps to improve the success rate of insemination in cows

With fertility of lactating dairy cows decreasing over the last decades, success at the first insemination is becoming more important. Fertitop has proven to increase the success rate of insemination. One of the active ingredients that improve fertility is beta-carotene. But how does it do that?

13 September 2022

New bolus for adult cattle: the potassium bolus!

Resco launches it's newest bolus Kalitop. One application provides 70 grams of potassium to prevent or cure hypokalemia.

17 August 2022

Resco presented its effervescent tablets for poultry in Brazil

Resco presented its effervescent tablets for poultry to the South American market during SIAVS in São Paulo, Brazil. We are happy to say that our effervescent tablets caught the attention of some very interesting people and we're ready to go to the next step in Brazil.

4 July 2022

New bolus: enertop

Resco launches it's newest bolus: Enertop is a fast-acting cattle supplement designed to provide cattle with fast energy against a negative energy balance around calving or whenever needed.

10 June 2022

Thank you for visiting us at VIV Europe!

Visitors from all corners of the world found their way to our booth at VIV Utrecht a week ago. We want to thank everyone for the interesting conversations we had about our boluses and tablets.

11 May 2022

Meet us at VIV Europe in the Netherlands

Resco will have a booth at VIV Europe from 31/05 to 02/06 in Utrecht, The Netherlands. We welcome you to meet us, without a blurred background!

28 February 2022

Trial Mammitop Clinic bolus

In this trial the Mammitop Clinic bolus from Resco is tested by the International University of Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain.

24 January 2022

46% more weight gain for your calves!

Read our blog to find out the great results of the trial with Tracetop Junior, a mineral and vitamin bolus for older calves.

22 December 2021

Happy holidays from Resco

Winter has started in Belgium and that means it is time to wrap up 2021. We want to thank everyone that contributed to a successful year and look forward to what is coming in 2022. Let’s see what happened in the last 12 months.

29 November 2021

VIV MEA: Resco is finally present at exhibitions again

We want to thank everyone who took out their time to meet and talk to us at VIV Middle East and Africa.

29 November 2021

A Hungarian university study on the effect of our calcium bolus

A study was performed by the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest on a Hungarian farm from May to June 2019. This study compared 168 cows that received two Calcitop boluses the day after calving to 136 cows that calved in the same period a year earlier (May to June 2018).

29 October 2021

Visit us at VIV MEA

From November 23th to November 25th Resco will be exhibiting at VIV Middle East and Africa in Abu Dhabi. If you plan to visit the exhibition, come meet us at booth 08.K054!

29 October 2021

Results of the Mammitop Small bolus on milk sheep

A trial was conducted on Mammitop Small at the University of Leon in Spain. 52 sheep received a Mammitop Small bolus and 53 sheep were in the control group. The trial looked at the evolution of milk production, cheese production, somatic cell count, and urea in milk.

30 September 2021

Trials showing the effect of Fertitop bolus on pregnancy in dairy cows

It is very important for the profitability of a cattle farm that the animals become pregnant and give birth to a calf every year. The aim of our fertility bolus Fertitop is to support the preparation of the cow for oestrus and reproduction. This article shows you the results of 2 trials.

23 September 2021

Cryptotop becomes Coxicryptop

We have changed the name of Cryptotop to better reflect it's purposes

2 September 2021

A new look for Resco!

You might have noticed some changes if you already visited our website the last few days: Resco has a new look. Out with the old, in with the new! Let's walk you through the changes.

30 July 2021

The effects of essential oils in Cryptotop on coccidia

Natural feed supplements such as essential oils are becoming more popular as alternatives in animal production. In line with the growing attention, Resco is creating a range of phytotherapeutic boluses.

29 July 2021

Calf coccidiosis

When rearing calves, farmers strive for regular growth of their animals. This can only be achieved when the calves get enough food and when farmers ensure that the animals remain healthy. A common, yet underexposed, problem to the calves’ health is calf coccidiosis.

22 June 2021

Probably the best calcium bolus in the world

Resco improved the formula of its calcium bolus to provide a higher amount of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin D3 making it probably the best calcium bolus in the world.

25 May 2021

Discover our newest product: Aspitop

Resco is proud to introduce yet again a new product. After lasts month's Efferfizz, we now launch Aspitop!

19 April 2021

Resco introduces Efferfizz for calf rehydration

Recently, the immensely popular Effydral went off the market and Resco went to great lengths in order to come up with an alternative. We are very proud to present our newest product, Efferfizz.

29 March 2021

Milk fever in cows: everything you need to know, including 2023 update

Milk fever in cows comes with huge economical consequences. Click here to learn everything about hypocalcemia and keep up to date with the most recent research!

22 January 2021

Trial comparing High Trace mineral bolus for weight gain in cattle

The importance of weight gain in cattle means they can be finished earlier. Find out about the stunning results of a study by Dr. John Southworth comparing Resco's High Trace mineral bolus with the competition.

Viv Asia 2019

Bangkok, colourful city filled with sensational tastes, history, culture, ... and the wonderful VIV ASIA 2019. Make sure to share this experience with us on March 13-15 and visit our booth 2324 in Hall 102. See you soon!

RESCO @ WDE 2018

RESCO welcomes you at the World Dairy Expo. This event has become a fixed event in our agenda thanks to the mixture of national and international interest in our boluses. Make sure to visit us at booth MC70.

close

{{ popup_title }}

{{ popup_close_text }}

x