As suckler cows graze during the warmer months, ensuring they remain in peak health is vital for successful breeding. A critical factor often overlooked is the role of trace elements in fertility. Across the UK, levels of these essential nutrients vary widely due to differences in location, soil type, and overall soil health. Understanding and addressing trace element deficiencies can significantly impact your herd’s productivity.
What are trace elements?
Trace elements are essential minerals required by living organisms in minute quantities. Despite being needed only in small amounts, these elements are crucial for maintaining normal growth and physiological functions in animals.
Nutritionally essential trace elements include Iron, Copper, Cobalt, Zinc, Selenium, Chromium, Iodine, and Molybdenum. Each plays a specific role in the health and reproductive efficiency of cattle.
Common trace element deficiencies and their impact
Copper
Copper deficiency is a common issue that can lead to reduced fertility in adult cows. A lack of copper extends the time from calving to normal bulling behaviour, making it more challenging for cows to get back in calf.
Selenium
Selenium is vital for protecting cells from damage and supporting muscle development. Inadequate selenium levels can lead to increased stillbirths and weak calves. For cows, a deficiency can result in post-calving complications. In bulls, low selenium negatively affects sperm production, reducing fertility.
Iodine
Iodine is essential during pregnancy to prevent high abortion rates and the birth of weak or stillborn calves. A deficiency in lactating cows can also slow calf growth rates, impacting overall herd performance.
Cobalt
Cobalt is necessary for vitamin B12 synthesis, which is crucial for energy metabolism. A deficiency can impair breeding performance, leading to longer recovery times post-calving and irregular bulling intervals.
Rectifying deficiencies
Maintaining balanced trace element levels is vital for the fertility and overall health of your suckler cows. Trace elements can often be overlooked especially during summer, one of the busiest periods for farmers. Through monitoring and supplementation, trace element deficiencies can be managed and reduced, leading to improved breeding success and a healthier herd. The following steps can help keep on top of and rectify deficiencies in your herd:
- Regular soil testing
- Forage analysis
- Mineral supplementation – boluses, mineral drenches, mineral licks, mineral powders
- Ask your vet for advice
How Herdwatch can help:
1.Medicine records made easy – Keep on top of all medicine purchases, treatments and inventory at the press of a button. Log treatments like boluses and mineral drenches. You can also see what animals are requiring frequent treatments, allowing you to make informed culling decisions.
2.Pasture management in your palm – Map your farm in the app, colour coordinate fields by crop, and assign field notes to record soil test results, allowing you to make informed decisions on adequate supplementation.