33 benefits of trace minerals for cattle and why you should supplement them
22 January 2021
Trace minerals for cattle
3 minute read
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.
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.
Tracetop
Tracetop is a mineral bolus containing all the benefits of the High Trace bolus, but with vitamins added to the formula.
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/
Share with friends:
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.