The Professional Animal Scientist 21 (2005):297–304
Effects of Copper, Zinc, and Manganese Source on Mineral Status, Reproduction, Immunity, and Calf Performance in Young Beef Females over a Two-Year 1,2,3 Period J. K. AHOLA*,4, D. S. BAKER*, P. D. BURNS†, J. C. WHITTIER*, PAS, and T. E. ENGLE*,5, PAS *Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523 and †Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley 80639
Abstract Crossbred beef females (n = 43 nulliparous heifers, yr 1; n = 37 primiparous cows, yr 2) were used to evaluate the effects of Cu, Zn, and Mn source on mineral status, reproduction, immunity, and
1
Use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement by Colorado State University or criticism of similar products not mentioned. 2 This research was supported in part by grants from the Colorado State Univesity Agricultural Experiment Station and Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY. Appreciation is also extended to Alltech Inc. for donation of the Bioplex™ trace minerals. 3 The authors thank T. W. Geary, ARS USDA Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT, for completing progesterone assays. 4 Present address: Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Idaho, Caldwell Research and Extension Center, Caldwell 83607. 5 To whom correspondence should be addressed:
[email protected]
performance in young grazing cattle in Eastern Colorado over a 2-yr period. Pregnant nulliparous heifers were stratified by expected calving date, BW, body condition score (BCS), and liver mineral status and assigned to treatments, which included 1) organic (ORG; 50% organic and 50% inorganic Cu, Zn, and Mn) and 2) inorganic (ING; 100% inorganic CuSO4, ZnSO4, and MnSO4) trace minerals. Treatments were provided via ad libitum mineral feeders from 54 d (yr 1) and 81 d (yr 2) prior to the average calving date through 119 d (yr 1) and 135 d (yr 2) post-calving. Final liver Cu concentrations were greater (P
