Evaluation of Two Levels of Trace Mineral Supplementation to Beef Calves Prior to Weaning

Simple Summary: The trace mineral nutrition of ruminants has been widely studied; however, most of the research has focused on the requirements of mature cattle, and the requirements of trace minerals for calves prior to weaning are poorly understood. This study investigated how two levels of trace mineral supplements provided to beef calves before weaning affect their performance and mineral status. Apart from Cu, which is often a limited trace mineral in many regions, the supplementation of trace minerals above the NASEM (2016) recommendations did not improve the mineral status of beef calves. In this 2-year study, approximately 84 days prior to weaning, 24 calves/year (Angus x Hereford) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: trace mineral (Cu, Se, and Zn) supplementation following NASEM (2016) recommendations (Control) or trace mineral supplementation above NASEM (2016) recommendations (Super). Calves were individually fed, and trace minerals were provided in 0.5 kg of dry distiller's grains three times weekly. Body weight (BW), blood, and liver samples were collected on d 0 and at weaning (d 84). Additional BW and blood samples were collected post-weaning on d 85, 87, 88, 91, 95, and 99 during the preconditioning phase. Initial liver concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn were similar between treatments (p >= 0.69). At weaning, a year effect (p < 0.001) and a tendency for treatment x year effect (p = 0.09) were observed for Cu liver concentration. In year 2, but not in year 1, calves assigned to the Super treatment tended to have greater liver Cu concentration than calves assigned to the Control treatment. Except for Cu, a notoriously limited trace mineral in multiple geographical locations, the supplementation of trace minerals above the NASEM (2016) recommendations did not improve the mineral status of calves in this environment.