Iron is particularly important for energy and protein metabolism. A deficiency can lead to anaemia and growth disorders in calves.
Zinc is the second most common trace element in the body and is essential for immune defence and fertility. A zinc deficiency can manifest itself in skin and/or hoof problems and reduced feed conversion.
Copper is necessary for iron utilisation and immune function. A deficiency can lead to growth depression and immunodeficiency.
Manganese supports fat and protein metabolism as well as bone growth. Manganese plays an important role in fertility.
Selenium has a key function in cell protection and, together with vitamin E, acts as an antioxidant. A selenium deficiency can lead to muscle atrophy and fertility problems.
The availability of these trace elements in the feed is strongly influenced by the binding form and the interactions with other nutrients.
Particularly when using inorganic trace elements, certain minerals such as sulphur or iron can have a negative effect on the availability of selenium. minerals such as sulphur or iron can hinder the absorption of trace elements from the intestine into the bloodstream, which can lead to deficiency symptoms despite adequate feeding.
Recent studies and recommendations emphasise the importance of targeted supplementation of organically bound trace elements, which have a higher bioavailability and cause less environmental pollution
There are several studies that show that in modern dairy cattle feeding, the clinical manifestations of trace element deficiency are rare. However, there is often a subclinical deficiency that is accompanied by unspecific symptoms.
A lack of trace elements in dairy cows is primarily at least partly responsible for fertility problems such as stillbirth, ovarian cysts and early embryonic death.
A lack of trace elements also plays an important role in the development of subclinical mastitis (cell count problems) by reducing the cow's immune defence.
The supply of trace elements for cattle feed has increased significantly in recent years. It is becoming increasingly difficult for farmers to gain an overview of the quality of the products on offer.
