Grazing on pastures containing many plants belonging to Brassica spp. Animals deficient in cobalt have a poor appetite, loose body condition and are weak. The conception rate of cows in an affected herd may decline. Low cobalt levels reduce the storage of copper in the liver and can interfere with the activity of manganese, zinc and iodine. Sodium and Chloride Sodium and chloride, the components of salt, are essential nutrients.
Salt is required to regulate body fluid levels.
In addition, sodium affects the absorption of sugar and proteins from the digestive tract. Salt deficiencies can affect the efficiency of digestion and indirectly the reproduction performance of cows. Vitamin A Vitamin A is found in actively growing green plants and properly preserved hay. The level of Vitamin A in stored feeds decreases with time and therefore deficiencies are most often observed in late fall and winter. Vitamin A is involved in the maintenance of body tissues so requirements of the pregnant cow are higher in the last third of pregnancy and immediately after calving.