Evidence based and targeted mineral supplementation is essential to get a flocks trace elements right. Katie Fallon reports.
With numerous supplements on the market farmers should question whether their flock actually requires mineral supplementation, says Dr Graham Shepherd, of G Shepherd Animal Health.
He says: The best way to know if your flock needs any supplementation is to get some samples taken, to look at the main trace elements.
Dr Graham advises that blood samples taken by a vet is the best way to get the big elements right, but if the problem is more serious, a liver biopsy may be required.
Dr Shepherd says if samples do show a mineral deficiency, it is likely a good proportion of the flock will have the same deficiency.
He advises targeting supplementation, following evidence-based results, such as sampling, which can then be used to formulate drenches, feed minerals or bolus combinations which are specific to your flocks needs.
Copper, cobalt, selenium, zinc and iodine are the main trace elements which farmers need to get right in their flocks, says Dr Shepherd and explains why it is important to get the basics correct, and the importance of salt in sheep, which is not always considered.
Copper
Too much copper can cause liver failure. However, not enough copper means animals will become deficient, which can cause a lack of growth and impact fertility.
Copper also helps to develop the nervous system and the spinal cord, therefore, not enough copper can cause sway back and paralysis.
Cobalt
Cobalt is an integral part of vitamin B12 made by the rumen. Alack of cobalt will result in reduced energy levels.
A deficiency in cobalt will impact red blood cells, which in turn negatively effects energy and metabolism causing inefficient growth.
Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant which protects the body from tissue damage, including the muscles of the body and the heart, therefore a lack of selenium can result in stiffness and sudden death.
Iodine
Iodine is a trace element which is required to produce thyroxine which stimulates metabolic rate, therefore if not enough iodine is received, it can lead to a lack of vigour and ill thrift.
Zinc
Zinc affects skin, bone, cartilage, and hoof health.
A zinc deficiency can cause skin conditions and lameness often with scaly skin.
The importance of salt
Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a basic and essential livestock requirement, says Dr Shepherd. It drives a lot of the functions of the body, but it is not made or stored by the body, therefore, requires regular intake.
Salt aids functions in the body including maintaining blood pressure and volume and aiding nerve and muscle function. It also aids stomach hydrochloric acid production, which is important for rumen digestion, and is also required for buffering the rumen, avoiding acidosis, and protecting rumen bacteria, says Dr Shepherd.
A salt deficiency can reduce appetite and growth, while lowering milk yields and reducing profits. Dr Shepherd says severe deficiencies can result in seizure and in severe cases, death. However, too much salt can also be a problem, as it can cause salt poisoning.
While this is usually a rare occurrence in the UK, it can occur if too much salt is fed without access to drinking water, or if the water is contaminated with salt.
Salt poisoning can lead to gut problems which can have the same results as a salt deficiency, including seizure and death.
Dr Shepherd says salt has its own appetite, and while it is usually well absorbed from an animals diet and reabsorbed from faeces and urine, animals will seek it out if needed.
Animals often show a salt deficiency by licking objects, the ground and, or drinking urine.
Salt is found in forage as it is extracted by plants from the soil as they grow. However, salt can leach from the soil, and the amount of salt in the soil will vary depending on farm location, therefore, it is usually supplemented to sheep and cattle in the UK.
Dr Shepherd says: Salt can be easily and safely provided to livestock in the form of free access lumps of mined rock salt. Many types of manufactured salt licks are available but be cautious of unnecessary supplementation with other trace elements if your flock does not need them.
