Treatment of mineral disorders in cattle.

It is difficult to identify mineral deficiencies and even harder to predict their occurrence. The best indicators of a particular disorder are the characteristic clinical signs. In their absence, biochemical tests or well-designed and properly conducted dose-response field trials are the only sure ways of defining deficient states and assessing their functional and economic significance. This article identifies treatments of the main mineral disorders in cattle and preventive strategies to minimize their occurrence. Dietary manipulations or oral treatments are indicated for chronic primary deficiencies in which there is insufficient mineral in the diet to meet cattle requirements. In severe and acute deficiency, parenteral treatment restores normal concentrations rapidly to a functional level in the animal's tissues. Advocate parenteral treatments if alimentary absorption is impaired or at times of increased mineral demand, such as late pregnancy, but be wary of toxicity. Many innovative products and delivery systems are now available for relatively cheap, effective, long-term mineral supplementation with minimal handling of cattle.