Zinc is thought to be the mineral most affected by excessive iron intakes. A. Recent research from Wales has shown that applying sodium fertilizer to pastures for dairy cows increased grass growth and digestibility. In addition, cows found the sodium-enriched forage to be more palatable, grazed for longer periods and produced more milk. It is difficult to find any studies with farm animals. However, recent Ohio State research showed that rats which were copper deficient had antioxidant enzymes with lower activities, resulting in weakened resistance against endotoxin-induced injury.
Supplemental manganese is present in trace mineralized salt for pigs and is cheap insurance.
Q. Is it true that selenium deficient animals are more susceptible to infectious diseases. A. Yes, recent research from Penn State showed that selenium deficient cows had slower lymphocyte proliferation when challenged by an infectious agent. These data suggest that a cow's immune system is a weaker line of defense when she is selenium deficient. Q. Can high sulfate levels in the drink water affect the mineral requirements of livestock. Yes, sulfur can reduce the bioavailabilty of zinc, copper, selenium and molybdenum.