339 samples in Yuba county had an overall whole blood selenium average of 0.032 ppm, which is considered deficient (less than 0.04 ppm). The lowest individual cattle were 0.011 ppm, while the highest was 0.15 ppm, which is adequate. Samples selected randomly throughout the county (to represent all cattle) had an average whole blood selenium level of 0.027 ppm, clearly deficient.

Beef heifers (n=99) sampled at near Loma Rica had a whole blood selenium value of 0.0165 ppm. Cattle (n=85) near Marysville had levels of 0.030 ppm. The area around Brown's valley had herd averages (n=96) of 0.043 ppm. This contrasts to cattle near Linda with a herd average of 0.081 ppm. However, these cattle (n=12) were Holstein cows and may not accurately reflect beef cattle and their management.

Therefore, cattle in Yuba county are usually selenium deficient but depending on specific management or possibly location (near Linda) may be adequate. Until further work identifies better associative factors, individuals should conduct sampling to assess their selenium status (see How to Test).

Samples (n=25) selected at random from throughout Yuba county had an average serum copper level of 0.78 ppm which is considered adequate. This evidence would suggest copper is usually not a problem in Yuba county. However, limited Class 3 liver samples show a wide variation in Cu levels with some deficient.  Cattle that are symptomatic of copper deficiency should be tested for copper levels (see general information on copper).

Limited class 3 data suggests adequate Zn levels.

Insufficient data are available for conclusions.