CALCULATING SUPPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS TO ADDRESS TRACE MINERAL DEFICIENCY

Diagnosis and treatment of trace mineral deficiency can be challenging . After gathering liver, serum, and feedstuff samples, a careful evalu ation of the causes of mineral deficiency on a given farm or ranch can be made. Because of the many factors involved, levels of supplementat ion will vary greatly from one situation to the nest - even in closely aligned geographic areas. For this reason, thorough follow-up and re- evaluation is essential. It should also be obvious that because of may different causes of trace mineral deficiency among ranches and the ma ny involved nutrients and factors, and the large variation in suppleme ntation levels required to correct specific situations, a standard tra ce mineral supplementation level for all herds is not justified. Adher ence to these guidelines should allow the practitioner to provide a va luable service to producers in the economically important area of trac e mineral supplementation.