Trace Minerals

Their Role in Neonatal Diarrhea in West-Central Nebraska

Abstract

Gastrointestinal irritation is a common entity in trace mineral toxicosis. To determine the extent of trace mineral involvement in west-central Nebraska beef calves, trace elements analyses were performed on 144 livers from perinatal calves submitted to the Veterinary Science Laboratory, North Platte, Nebraska during 1983 and 1984. All calves originated from herds in west-central Nebraska and ranged in age from eight months of gestation up to six-week-old neonates. Perinates were subjected to complete gross and microscopic, bacteriologic, virologic and toxicologic examinations. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine if trace mineral problems existed in west-central Nebraska, and if any relationship existed with potential disease syndromes. No single element appears responsible for neonatal calf diarrhea, but the variety of fluctuations indicate that trace elements play a role in many enteric syndromes.  Supplementation of necessary elements in a proper protein and energy diet has improved production and lessened disease effects by reduced morbidity and mortality. Liver concentrations indicated above normal iron content as the most common trace mineral finding in calves with diarrhea. Hematology values were within normal ranges except for hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct), which were above normal in both groups of CU cows and non CU cows. Other problems attributed to trace minerals include sudden death in calves, white muscle disease, poor nursing and unthriftiness in calves, retained placentas, infertility, achromotrichia and downer cows.