How much trace minerals do cows need?
Trace mineral requirements of dairy cattle depend on genetic potential, milk production, reproductive status, days in milk and the composition of the ration. Nutritionists often have concerns about trace mineral deficiencies in cattle, particularly about copper deficiency in cows.
As a result, it is standard practice to supplement cattle with trace minerals at levels exceeding the NASEM 2021 guidelines. Over-feeding of trace minerals for cattle is a common problem1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, increasing the risk of trace minerals toxicity in cattle and trace mineral soil contamination. This emphasizes the importance of aligning dietary mineral levels with the specific animal requirements to balance production efficiency and environmental sustainability.