Straw and maize gluten diet may have kept the stock alive and looking well, but unless the diets were carefully balanced with minerals, some deficiencies may well occur. The deficit can be made worse with low uptake from Spring grass especially if significant amounts of fertiliser have been applied. Copper deficiency is extremely common and will markedly reduce fertility and cause lameness and reduced growth in growing cattle. It probably also increases the risk of scours in new born calves. Cobalt deficiency reduces fertility and growth.
Iodine deficiency reduces fertility.
Phosphorous deficiency will cause infertility, but is uncommon, except around calving. Fertility and growth should be carefully monitored, and if deficiency is suspected, then a selection of animals should be blood sampled to investigate the problem and remedial measures instigated. Sheep The same deficiencies that affect cattle will also affect sheep and goats. Copper and cobalt deficiencies are particularly common. Unfortunately, copper is far more toxic in sheep than cattle and supplementation must be carried out with great care.