Mitigating Copper Deficiencies in Dairy Cattle
Mitigating Copper Deficiencies in Dairy Cattle
Copper deficiency is a prevalent concern in Australian dairy cattle, particularly during early Spring when pasture copper levels are insufficient to meet the heightened demands of pregnancy and early lactation.
About Copper Deficiency
Copper deficiency can lead to a range of health and production issues, including impaired immune function, reduced fertility, poor growth rates in calves and decreased milk yield. These problems are often exacerbated by high levels of antagonistic minerals, such as molybdenum in the pasture, which can also interfere with copper absorption.
Molybdenum is more prevalent across parts of Victoria and South Australia because of the alkaline and calcareous soils. Considering this, implementing supplementation strategies is crucial to maintaining optimal copper levels and supporting the overall health and productivity of the herd.
The Supplementation Strategy
Supplementing dairy cattle with organic trace minerals helps maintain optimal nutrient levels essential for growth, reproduction and productivity. LiquiTrace 8 is a premium, liquid supplement manufactured in Australia. It combines Manganese, Copper, Chromium and Selenium to support both seasonal and long-herd performance.
Each of these minerals play a specific role in the health of a dairy herd:
Manganese: supports bone development, especially in growing calves
Copper: boosts immunity, milk development and coat quality
Chromium: enhances insulin function, promoting better glucose uptake to reduce stress
Selenium: improves cows’ resistance to mastitis and supports white blood cell function to fight infections
When LiquiTrace 8 is added to stock feed, this unique blend of minerals becomes more readily available for absorption through the wall of the cows’ gastrointestinal tract. This means that the cows can more efficiently utilise these essential nutrients - leading to improved immune function, better feed conversion and enhanced fertility.
Key Benefits of LiquiTrace 8
Enhanced Copper Absorption: LiquiTrace 8 delivers organic copper that's easily absorbed to quickly correct deficiencies.
Reduced Somatic Cell Count: By reducing the somatic cell count, inflammation in the udder also decreases, meaning that the udder tissue can produce a higher quality and quantity of milk.
Reproductive Health Support: By correcting mineral imbalances, LiquiTrace 8 helps improve the cycling and conception rates of dairy cows.
Boosted Immunity and Hoof Health: The synergistic effect of the trace minerals supports immune function and promotes healthy hoof growth, reducing lameness.
Supplementing dairy cows’ feed with LiquiTrace 8 essentially helps manage copper deficiency and improve overall health and production outcomes.
For more information about LiquiTrace 8, visit our product page:
