APPLIED ASPECTS OF VITAMIN-E AND TRACE-MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION

The cow/calf industry has traditionally placed very little emphasis on trace-mineral and mineral and vitamin supplementation (except for vit amin A) Ample research data now exist to support the impact of trace-m ineral deficiencies and, in extreme cases, excesses on the reduced pro ductivity of a cow herd. Weaning weight, reproductive rates, and calf vigor can all be impacted by a trace-mineral deficiency. The specific trace minerals that most likely to impact grazing cattle include coppe r, zinc, selenium, and manganese. Forage analysis, serum samples, and liver biopsies should be used to determine the nutritional requirement s far trace elements. To determine an animal's requirements more-preci sely, fairly extensive research data have evaluated the positive impac t of vitamin E supplementation:an reproductive efficiency and mammary function, Recent research data show that supplementing the gestating b eef cow with 500 to 1000 IU of vitamin E per day may impact calf healt h and passing immunity status.