Cows with cobalt-deficient diets produce milk that is low in vitamin B12. Because soils in the Northeast are low in cobalt, feeds in this region of the country must be supplemented with this mineral. Over a period of several months, salt deficiency results in lack of appetite, poor growth and milk production, and depraved appetite. When their diets are salt-deficient, cattle may consume urine, manure, dirt, and other abnormal material. This deficiency stems from a lack of sodium and is more common in cattle fed only poor-quality roughage.
Water consumption is affected by various factors, including the kind and quality of feed.
As dry-matter protein and salt increase in the diet, so does the heifer's water requirement. Environmental temperatures also affect water consumption.