Zinc, copper, and manganese are essential trace minerals that play a crucial role in a calf’s development and metabolism. They support multiple essential functions in a calf’s physiology, including growth, immune competency, and overall health.
Providing trace minerals in the wrong form and amount - either too low or too high - can negatively impact animal productivity. This can be seen in decreased gains resulting in lower body weight and weaning weights, reduced feed intake, and potentially, increased mortality.
To prevent these negative impacts, calf ranchers and nutritionists must provide a trace mineral source that is most capable of meeting the needs of the animal in a consistent, cost-effective manner. Achieving consistent delivery of an optimized level of trace minerals is important to maintain calves’ best performance, health, and well-being.
