Trace Minerals for California Beef Cattle 

University of California, Cooperative Extension

Fresno County Mineral Data

Selenium

Samples (154) submitted to the California Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (CVDL) had an average whole blood Se of 0.12 ppm (SD 0.058).  These samples may represent supplemented cattle as well as un-supplemented cattle.  When the large variation is considered, it is likely that Se deficiency occurs.  Experience with other areas suggests the CVDL average is higher than un-supplemented cattle.  Local experience also suggests lower Se is associated with the eastern portions of the county.  Se status is considered marginal with additional sampling needed to identify specific areas and ranches.

Copper

Serum samples from the CVDL suggest marginal to adequate Cu status, while liver samples are more clearly deficient.  This is not uncommon with liver samples being a better diagnostic tool.  A wide variation in liver Cu levels was observed with the average at 146 ppm but a SD of 183.  Thus, it is likely some cattle are severely Cu deficient.  Further sampling is needed to determine specific areas and ranches with Cu deficieny.

Zinc

Samples from the CVDL (n=141) had an average Zn level of 0.99 ppm (SD 0.75).  This suggests Zn is adequate.

Phosphorus

Insufficient data to make an assessment.

 

Blood samples*
WEIGHTED AVERAGES
Se	Cu	Zn	P
0.120	0.73	0.99	no data	All Values
na	na	na	na	Class 1 data only (random samples)
na	na	na	na	Class 2 data only (field trials, selected herds)
0.120	0.73	0.99	no data	Class 3 data only (sick cattle)
Number of Individuals (used in weighted averages)
Se	Cu	Zn	P
154	141	141	0	All Values
0	0	0	0	Class 1 data only (random samples)
0	0	0	0	Class 2 data only (field trials, selected herds)
154	141	141	0	Class 3 data only (sick cattle)
Number of Samples
Se	Cu	Zn	P
0	0	0	0	No. of Individuals
1	1	1	0	No. of Herds
154	141	141	0	No. of Individuals in herds
154	141	141	0	Total number of individuals
Lowest and Highest Values (Individuals only)
Se	Cu	Zn	P
0.0000	0.00	0.00	0	Lowest individual value
0.000	0.00	0.00	0	Highest individual value
* Se whole blood, Zn & P serum, Cu whole blood or serum