Trace Minerals for California Beef Cattle 

University of California, Cooperative Extension

Sonoma County Mineral Data

Selenium

Ten herds (total of 100 head) were randomly sampled for selenium levels. The overall whole blood selenium level was 0.0477 ppm, which is generally considered adequate. Deficiency is considered less than 0.04 ppm. Individual animal and location differences may result in deficiency in some cattle. Therefore, testing at individual locations would better define specific conditions.

Copper

Ten herds (total of 50 head) had an overall serum copper average of 0.649 ppm, which is considered marginal for copper. The interaction with other minerals and individual animal variation will determine the potential for copper deficiency at specific locations. Therefore, individual testing at specific locations is recommended.

Zinc

Insufficient data are available for conclusions, but Zn appears adequate.  Further testing is needed.

Phosphorus

Insufficient data are available for conclusions.

Blood samples*

WEIGHTED AVERAGES

Se

Cu

Zn

P

0.054

0.70

1.18

no data

All Values

0.048

0.65

no data

no data

Class 1 data only (random samples)

na

na

na

na

Class 2 data only (field trials, selected herds)

0.068

0.76

1.18

no data

Class 3 data only (sick cattle)

Number of Individuals (used in weighted averages)

Se

Cu

Zn

P

142

92

36

0

All Values

100

50

0

0

Class 1 data only (random samples)

0

0

0

0

Class 2 data only (field trials, selected herds)

42

42

36

0

Class 3 data only (sick cattle)

Number of Samples

Se

Cu

Zn

P

0

0

0

0

No. of Individuals

11

11

1

0

No. of Herds

142

92

36

0

No. of Individuals in herds

142

92

36

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

 

Liver samples (dry wt. Basis)

WEIGHTED AVERAGES

Se

Cu

Zn

P

no data

186.00

no data

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)

no data

186.00

no data

no data

Class 3 data only (sick cattle)

Number of Individuals (used in weighted averages)

Se

Cu

Zn

P

0

21

0

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)

0

21

0

0

Class 3 data only (sick cattle)

Number of Samples

Se

Cu

Zn

P

0

0

0

0

No. of Individuals

0

1

0

0

No. of Herds

0

21

0

0

No. of Individuals in herds

0

21

0

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