Trace Minerals for California Beef Cattle 

University of California, Cooperative Extension

Yolo County Mineral Data

Selenium

Two herds (total of 20 head) were randomly sampled for selenium levels. The overall whole blood selenium level was 0.056 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

Two herds (total of 10 head) had an overall serum copper average of 0.745 ppm, which is considered adequate for copper.  Class 3 data tends to agree with that assessment, however a large variation suggests potential for Cu deficiency.  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

Limited class 3 data suggests adequate to marginal Zn levels, with large variation.  Further testing is needed.

Phosphorus

Insufficient data are available for conclusions.

Blood samples*

WEIGHTED AVERAGES

Se

Cu

Zn

P

0.120

0.72

0.80

no data

All Values

0.056

0.75

no data

no data

Class 1 data only (random samples)

na

na

na

na

Class 2 data only (field trials, selected herds)

0.129

0.72

0.80

no data

Class 3 data only (sick cattle)

Number of Individuals (used in weighted averages)

Se

Cu

Zn

P

153

118

57

0

All Values

20

10

0

0

Class 1 data only (random samples)

0

0

0

0

Class 2 data only (field trials, selected herds)

133

108

57

0

Class 3 data only (sick cattle)

Number of Samples

Se

Cu

Zn

P

0

0

0

0

No. of Individuals

3

3

1

0

No. of Herds

153

118

57

0

No. of Individuals in herds

153

118

57

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

193.00

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

193.00

no data

no data

Class 3 data only (sick cattle)

Number of Individuals (used in weighted averages)

Se

Cu

Zn

P

0

22

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

22

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

22

0

0

No. of Individuals in herds

0

22

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