Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Nutritional and management strategies of trace mineral supplementation for beef cattle

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/mc87q004w

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  • Two studies evaluated the mineral status of supplemented beef cattle over two different methods of supplementation. The objective of study 1 was to evaluate the mineral status at weaning and subsequent post-weaning performance of calves supplemented prior to weaning, with limited-fed supplements fortified with trace minerals (Cu, Se, and Zn) at the NASEM (2016) recommendation or above. The objective of study 2 was to evaluate the effect of injectable trace minerals (ITM) on the performance and mineral status of heifers and their calves when ITM was provided at calving (birth) and at breeding (summer grazing), both challenging periods in cattle production. In Study 1, we hypothesized that trace minerals requirements of calves prior to weaning are greater than the current NASEM (2016) recommendations for mature cattle. Further, calves supplemented at NASEM (2016) recommended levels are more likely to develop mineral deficiencies at weaning, which could result in poor health and performance in the post-weaning phase. A two-year study evaluated the supplementation of two different levels of trace minerals (Cu, Se, and Zn) to calves prior to weaning. Approximately 84 days prior to weaning, 24 calves/year (Angus × Hereford) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: trace mineral supplementation following NASEM (2016) requirements (Control); and trace mineral supplementation above NASEM (2016) requirements (Super). Calves were individually fed, and trace minerals were provided in 1 lb of dry distiller grains three times weekly. The total weekly amount of trace minerals was divided into three feeding events (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and supplemented individually to each calf. Body weight (BW), blood, and liver samples were collected on d 0 and weaning (d 84). All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). No differences (P ≥ 0.69) were observed for the initial liver concentration of Se, Cu, and Zn. No differences (P = 0.54) were observed for liver Se concentration at weaning. A year effect (P < 0.0001) and a tendency for treatment × year effect (P = 0.09) were observed for liver Zn concentration at weaning. In year 1 but not in year 2, calves assigned to the Control treatment had greater liver Zn concentration than calves assigned to the Super treatment. For Cu liver concentration, a year effect (P < 0.0001) and a tendency for treatment × year effect (P = 0.09) were observed at weaning. In year 2, but not in year 1, calves assigned to Super treatment had greater liver Cu concentration than calves assigned to Control treatment. No treatment effects (P ≥ 0.23) were observed for BW or average daily gain pre- or post-weaning. Except for Cu, supplementation of trace minerals above the NASEM (2016) recommendations does not lead to the improved mineral status of calves in this environment. In Study 2, we hypothesized that heifers and their calves receiving ITM at calving (birth) and at breeding would have improved mineral status and performance when compared to heifers and calves not receiving ITM. During the calving season, 50 heifers and their calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) Injectable trace mineral (ITM): heifers assigned to the ITM treatment received an ITM injection at the calving and breeding (cattle over 2 years: 1.0 ml/90 kg BW). Similarly, calves born to these heifers received an ITM injection at birth and breeding (1.0 ml/45 kg BW); 2) Control: cattle assigned to the Control treatment followed the same procedure as the cattle assigned to the ITM treatment, however, these heifers and calves were injected with saline solution. Body weight, blood, and liver samples were collected from heifers and calves at multiple time points to evaluate the performance and mineral status of heifer-calf pairs. Treatment effects (P = 0.02) were only observed for Cu liver concentration of heifers at breeding. Heifers assigned to ITM treatment had greater Cu status than heifers assigned to Control. No treatment effects were observed for the mineral status or performance of calves. However, calves assigned to ITM treatment had a consistent numerical advantage in body weight during the study. Collectively, both studies showed improvement in the Cu status of cattle when supplemented with levels greater than the NASEM (2016) recommendations, and when injected with ITM at strategic moments. It is likely that the findings of both studies are tied to the environment where those were conducted, where Cu concentration of forages are often limiting and consequently leading to reduced Cu status of cattle. In conclusion, the use of both strategies presented herein, supplementation of trace minerals above NASEM (2016) recommendations, and the use of ITM at strategic moments in the cattle production cycle, are effective in improving the Cu status of cattle raised in environments where Cu is limiting.
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