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Clinical and subclinical trace mineral deficiencies can limit productivity in western sheep production systems. The objective of this research was to determine the proportion of ranches that supplemented with trace minerals and to quantify serum trace mineral concentrations in ram lambs after weaning across Montana with particular emphasis on Se and Zn. Serum samples (n = 214) were collected from ram lambs 8 to 10 mo of age (52.8 ± 16 kg) at 21 ranches throughout Montana and analyzed for Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn. Ranches were classified as deficient, marginally deficient, adequate, or excessive by flock mean serum trace mineral concentrations. Additionally, water samples were analyzed for pertinent characteristics. The median and interquartile range of serum concentrations for each trace mineral across ranches were as follows: Co (0.41 ng/mL; 0.90 ng/mL), Cu (0.79 μg/mL; 0.24 μg/mL), Fe (153 μg/dL; 52 μg/dL), Mn (1.70 ng/mL; 0.80 ng/mL), Mo (15.3 ng/mL; 19.3 ng/mL), Se (115 ng/mL; 97.5 ng/mL), and Zn (0.70 μg/mL, 0.19 μg/mL). Of ranches surveyed, 67% provided a trace mineral supplement. Ranches that provided supplementary trace mineral had greater serum Se concentrations (P < 0.001). The 2 most commonly deficient and marginally deficient minerals across Montana were Se (19% of ranches deficient; 23.8% of ranches marginally deficient) and Zn (9.5% of ranches deficient; 57.1% of ranches marginally deficient). Regionally, Se serum samples classified as deficient were all located in western Montana. Of ranches sampled, 40 and 35% of water samples exceeded upper desired concentrations for Na and sulfates, respectively.
Sheep operations in the western United States rely on rangelands as their primary feed source, which could lead to clinical or subclinical trace mineral deficiencies and limit animal productivity. Minerals perform essential functions including structural, physiological, catalytic, and regulatory roles (
). Forage trace mineral concentrations are highly variable across rangelands because they are largely influenced by soil geochemistry and plant stage of maturity (
Montana consists of 380,832 km2 of diverse geography, resulting in a high potential for variability of trace mineral concentrations of rangelands and feedstuffs. Additionally, Montana has an estimated 200,000 total breeding sheep, which was the fifth largest inventory in the United States (
). Previous research reported Se and Zn concentrations in forages across the western United States were less than adequate for animal health and performance (
), which may present potential production losses. Additionally, selection programs have resulted in increased growth performance and greater mature BW (
), which may necessitate greater precision in trace mineral nutrition management.
No previous study has quantified trace mineral status in western US breeding sheep populations. Therefore, the objective of this research was to quantify serum trace mineral concentrations in Montana ram lambs after weaning with particular emphasis on Se and Zn. It was hypothesized that mineral supplementation strategies and serum trace mineral concentrations would vary across flocks sampled, and Se and Zn serum concentrations would be less than adequate.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experimental Design
The experimental protocol for this study was approved by the Agricultural Animal Care and Use Committee of Montana State University (2016-AA04). This study was conducted from September 24 to November 23, 2015. Twenty-one seedstock operations located across 15 counties and a wide range of production environments in Montana were sampled. Locations spanned from Dillon (45.2158° N, 112.6342° W) to Wolf Point (48.0914° N, 105.6425° W), representing a distance of approximately 805 km (Figure 1).
Participating ranches were selected for sampling based on their intent for developing and marketing rams to commercial operations. A homogeneous age group of 8- to 10-mo-old rams (52.8 ± 16 kg) were sampled within 2 mo after weaning to broadly assess trace mineral status across the state. This subpopulation of ram lambs was sampled due to similar developmental stage at a time of year when dietary trace mineral consumed came from late-season forages or harvested feedstuffs. A total of 214 rams were randomly sampled across ranches for analysis. Breed composition of the rams included Targhee (n = 95), Rambouillet (n = 47), Columbia (n = 20), Suffolk (n = 12), Hampshire (n = 15), other fine-wool breeds (n = 5), and various crosses (n = 20). Within each ranch, at least 15% of the ram lamb population was sampled, following recommendations for adequate sample size by
All blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture into 13 × 100 mm trace mineral royal blue top vacutainer tubes (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) without any additives. Blood was centrifuged at 1,573 × g at 20°C for 15 min approximately 4 h after collection (
), and serum was decanted into 2 aliquots in 2-mL tubes and stored at −20°C for later analyses. Samples that had a significant amount of hemolysis were not used in the laboratory analysis. Serum samples were shipped on ice overnight for trace mineral analysis at a commercial laboratory (Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, East Lansing). Cobalt, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn concentrations in serum were quantified using an ionized coupled plasma mass spectrometry method (
Operators at each location were surveyed on whether ram lambs were offered a trace mineral supplement to evaluate supplementation effects on serum trace mineral concentrations. Instances where ranches only provided a source of NaCl and not a trace mineral supplement were classified as unsupplemented. If supplementation occurred, there was no attempt to distinguish consumption or supplementation levels. Due to logistical and financial limitations, basal dietary trace mineral concentrations were not collected or analyzed from harvested feedstuffs or rangeland plant communities. Serum trace mineral concentrations were classified as deficient, marginally deficient, adequate, and excessive based on reference ranges established at Michigan State University, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (Table 1).
Table 1Criteria for classification of ranches based on blood serum concentrations
Reference ranges were adapted from Herdt and Hoff (2011) and Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (East Lansing). Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health does not have robust criteria for Co, Mn, and Mo serum concentrations.
and Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (East Lansing). Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health does not have robust criteria for Co, Mn, and Mo serum concentrations.
Samples (500 mL) were collected from the water source used by ram lambs at each ranch and analyzed by a commercial laboratory (Midwest Laboratories Inc., Omaha, NE) for livestock suitability (package W1 livestock suitability). Water characteristics included Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Na, chloride, nitrate-nitrogen, sulfate, and total dissolved solid content as well as pH and conductivity. Water characteristics were quantified using a light emission technique where prepared samples are injected into a high energy plasma that forces the elements in the injected sample to emit light wavelengths that are specific to each metal present. Ions of aqueous samples are separated and measured for conductivity.
Statistical Analyses
Individual outliers of serum trace mineral concentration within each ranch were first identified and removed from the data. Values were considered outliers if they fell 1.5 × interquartile range (IQR) below the second quantile or 1.5 × IQR above the fourth quantile for each trace mineral. Descriptive statistics (median and IQR) of serum trace mineral concentrations were estimated within and across ranch using the MEANS procedure of SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). A Shapiro-Wilk test of normality was first performed in R (
) and the Box-Cox function were then used to find a suitable transformation for each serum trace mineral.
To determine the effect of supplementation on serum trace mineral concentration, ranch was considered the experimental unit, and mean transformed serum trace mineral concentration was analyzed in the GLM procedure with the fixed effect of mineral supplementation (supplemented or unsupplemented). Pearson correlation coefficients among individual-ram-lamb transformed serum trace mineral concentrations were estimated using the CORR procedure. Additionally, Pearson correlation coefficients among ranch mean transformed serum Se and Zn concentrations and water quality characteristics were also estimated. Least squares means were considered different from each other and correlation coefficients different from zero at P ≤ 0.05, and a tendency was considered at P ≤ 0.10.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Cooperative field studies help producers and scientists understand in-field management practices and responses, specifically, mineral supplementation strategies, trace mineral concentrations in feedstuffs, mineral deficiencies in the animal, and the effects of supplementation on animal status (
). Serum trace mineral concentrations have their own set of limitations when evaluating status of an animal. For example, Zn serum concentrations can be influenced by hyperthermal stress or immune function (
). However, serum trace mineral concentrations have been useful when investigating population trace mineral status as a practical and less invasive method. When feasible, mineral status should be evaluated based on specific mineral concentrations of tissues that have been identified as storage pools for a particular mineral (
Medians and IQR of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn within ranch are reported in Table 2. Median, IQR, percentage of samples less than the lower limit of the suggested adequate range, and λ of serum concentrations from all 214 samples are reported in Table 3. The serum trace minerals with the greatest variation across ranches were Co, Mn, and Mo with IQR of 0.90, 0.80, and 19.3, respectively. Of Montana ranches surveyed, only 67% provided a trace mineral supplement. Trace minerals in animal feedstuffs are the most highly variable nutrient due to factors of plant species, soil, stage of maturity, and climate conditions (
), emphasizing the importance of producer feed analysis and need for supplementation. Supplemental minerals can have positive effects on animal reproduction, immunity, and feed intake (
outlined factors influencing variation in free-choice supplement such as supplemental type and delivery method, as well as animal factors including experience and breed. Anecdotally, producers might not supplement with a trace mineral package because of cost and perceived return on investment, weatherization and subsequent inedibility, and difficulty of supplementing in rotational or extensive grazing systems. The effect of supplementation on trace mineral concentration in ram lamb serum is reported in Table 4. Serum concentrations of individual trace minerals are discussed in further detail in the following.
Table 2Medians and interquartile range (IQR) of serum trace mineral concentrations of ram lambs (n = 214) within each ranch (n = 21)
Table 3Median, interquartile range (IQR), percentage of samples less than the lower limit of the suggested adequate range (inadequate), and λ value that maximizes the log-likelihood of the Box-Cox transformation of serum trace mineral concentrations from Montana ram lambs (n = 214) measured across ranches
Adequate reference ranges were adapted from the study by Herdt and Hoff (2011) and the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (East Lansing; Table 1).
%
λ
Co, ng/mL
0.41
0.90
0
−0.22
Cu, μg/mL
0.79
0.24
27.8
−0.10
Fe, μg/dL
153.0
52.0
14.1
0.59
Mn, ng/mL
1.70
0.80
0
−0.26
Mo, ng/mL
15.3
19.3
36.2
−0.46
Se, ng/mL
115.0
97.5
46.3
0.71
Zn, μg/mL
0.70
0.19
74.3
−0.51
1 Adequate reference ranges were adapted from the study by
Table 4Back-transformed least squares means for the main effect of mineral supplementation (supplemented or unsupplemented) on ranch serum trace mineral concentration
Provision of a mineral supplement across ranches sampled had no effect (P = 0.17) on serum Co concentrations of weaned ram lambs. Interquartile range of blood serum Co concentrations was 0.90 ng/mL with a median of 0.41 ng/mL. Across Montana, all ranches were classified as adequate in Co with mean serum concentrations meeting or exceeding 0.10 ng/mL. Liver tissue and blood have been used to quantify Co status in sheep, generally with blood being more responsive to nutritional changes in Co concentrations (
). Methionine synthase is necessary for rumen microbes to produce propionate, a metabolite that is a major determinant of the host’s Co responsiveness (
observed decreased days to slaughter in lambs receiving Co supplementation, and response to supplementation increased further into the grazing season. Comparatively, lambs that did not receive Co supplementation had greater BW variation (
). Diets containing legumes generally have higher concentrations of Co than do diets containing grasses, followed by those containing grains, which are usually poor sources (
Provision of a mineral supplement across ranches sampled had no effect (P = 0.65) on serum Cu concentrations of weaned ram lambs, which was expected because sheep mineral sold in the United States rarely contains added Cu. Copper serum concentration IQR was 0.24 μg/mL with a median of 0.79 μg/mL. However, serum Cu concentrations are of little use in interpreting status because concentrations can be highly variable, unless clinical deficiency is being diagnosed in tandem (
). Nevertheless, the mean serum Cu concentrations were within an adequate range (Table 1). There were no ranches sampled that were classified as deficient in serum Cu concentrations, but 19% were classified as marginally deficient, 71.4% adequate, and 9.5% excessive. The authors acknowledge that liver biopsies would have been a superior indicator of Cu status (
), but due to the collection of samples from privately owned stud prospects, time constraints, and resources, liver biopsies were not feasible.
Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in many enzyme activities, including ATP production, collagen and bone formation, and optimal nervous system function (
). Regions around the world have been identified as deficient in Cu, and deficiencies in gestating ewes can cause ataxia in lambs and impaired leukocyte function (
). Historically, dietary Cu recommendations were 7 to 11 mg/kg of DM, but current dietary recommendations are based off of a factorial method that takes into account physiological status (i.e., growing, gestating, or lactating) of the animal and factors that affect Cu absorption (
). Rams grazing dormant cool- and warm-season grasses might experience a copper shortage because these are known to contain copper concentrations of 2 to 5 mg/kg (
). Nutritional management of Cu should also include consideration of Mo, S, and Fe because interaction and decreased bioavailability may result. For example, rams housed in confinement with high levels of Cu and inadequate amounts of Mo and S were more susceptible to Cu toxicity than animals on pasture (
), and similar instances would warrant additional Cu supplementation.
Serum Fe
Provision of a mineral supplement across ranches sampled had no effect (P = 0.42) on serum Fe concentrations among weaned ram lambs, and all ranches were classified as either adequate or excessive. Serum Fe concentration IQR was 52 μg/dL with a median of 153 μg/dL. Many ranches were actually within the excessive range for serum Fe concentration (90.5%), which may indicate a potential for antagonism with Cu and S. However, Fe toxicity in ruminants is rarely experienced because of limited absorption when levels are high in diets (
). Both liver and serum concentrations are normally used as indicators of Fe status in animals because depletion of serum concentrations occurs just before anemia in deficient animals.
Iron is the most abundant trace mineral in the body, and approximately 60% of it is found in hemoglobin, which is essential to O2 and CO2 transportation (
). Forages show marked seasonality in Fe concentrations with peaks in spring and autumn, although most livestock feeds contain high concentrations of Fe, resulting in few cases of deficiencies (
dietary recommendations for Fe are 55 mg/kg for growing sheep.
Serum Mn
Providing a mineral supplement had no effect (P = 0.16) on serum Mn concentrations in the ranches sampled. Serum Mn concentration IQR was 0.80 ng/mL with a median of 1.7 ng/mL. The average serum Mn concentration across sampled Montana ram lambs was higher than the adequate range. However, Mn toxicity is rare in ruminants, even at high dietary concentrations (
). Plasma Mn concentrations are maintained within a narrow range (5–10 μg/L) in cattle, even while consuming diets with a wide range of Mn concentrations (40–1,000 mg/kg). This is in part due to the ability of the liver to remove excess quantities of Mn, and the relatively fast depletion from tissues including liver (
). Functions of Mn include involvement in bone development; protection against oxidative tissue damage; and carbohydrate, fat, and protein biochemical processes (
Influence of manganese intake on body, wool and testicular growth of young rams and the concentration of manganese and activity of manganese enzymes in tissues..
Additional supplementation of mineral to the basal diet had no effect (P = 0.77) on serum Mo concentrations of weaned ram lambs. Serum Mo concentration IQR was 19.3 ng/mL with a median of 15.3 ng/mL. A large variation in serum Mo concentrations was observed within (CV = 52%) and across ranches (CV = 179%). Conclusions for this large variation are hard to verify in the absence of dietary trace mineral concentrations. However, US geological survey soil mineral data indicated the ranch that was greatest in serum Mo concentration (median, 277 ng/mL; IQR 193.58 ng/mL) was located in areas with high soil Mo concentrations, unique from other sampling locations (
). Dietary Mo concentrations are adequately reflected in serum Mo concentrations, although use of serum for assessment is generally only used when Mo toxicity or Cu deficiency is a concern (
). However, a dearth of data regarding serum Mo concentrations currently exists, and data contained herein will aid in guiding future reference ranges for sheep.
Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral because of its role in the reduction of nitrate to nitrite in bacteria (
Serum Se concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) on ranches that supplemented mineral (131.47 ng/mL) than on those that did not (64.11 ng/mL). Frequencies of serum Se concentration class within and across supplementation program are reported in Table 5. Across ranches surveyed, 19% were deficient, 23.8% marginally deficient, 42.9% adequate, and 14.3% excessive. Within ranches that did not supplement a mineral premix, the majority of ranch mean serum Se concentrations were either deficient (57.1%) or marginally deficient (28.6%). However, within ranches that did supplement a mineral premix, most ranch mean serum Se concentrations were either adequate (64.3%) or excessive (14.3%). Though not quantified in the present study, regional Se deficiencies were observed; serum concentrations were lower in Montana ranches near the eastern front of the Rocky Mountains in association with lower soil mineral concentrations (
). This regional dynamic of decreased Se serum concentrations in western Montana has been corroborated through producer polling conducted via extension programing throughout western Montana. Thus, efforts to improve precision of supplementation of Se in these areas is warranted (W. C. Stewart, 2016, Montana State University, Bozeman, personal communication). Selenium deficiencies in sheep have been well documented globally, along with low Se concentrations in forages (
). Sheep whole blood Se concentrations in Kosovo were positively affected by supplementation, independent of supplementation type including injectable, mineral block, mineral premixes, and feed compounds (
). Greater bioavailability and retention of Se is achieved through organic sources (selenomethionine, selenocysteine) compared with inorganic (sodium selenite, sodium selenite), which should be considered in operations where supplement delivery methods are a challenge (
Reference ranges were adapted from the study by Herdt and Hoff (2011) and the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (East Lansing): deficient: <50 ng/mL; marginally deficient: 50 to 110 ng/mL; adequate: 110 to 160 ng/mL; excessive: >160 ng/mL.
and the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (East Lansing): deficient: <50 ng/mL; marginally deficient: 50 to 110 ng/mL; adequate: 110 to 160 ng/mL; excessive: >160 ng/mL.
Results suggest the median serum Se concentrations are within adequate reference ranges (Table 3) but approach marginal status. Clinical signs of Se deficiency are often manifested as nutritional myopathy (i.e., white muscle disease) but can also result in production losses in subclinical instances. Marginal (subclinical) Se deficiencies can result in decreased growth performance, loss of milk yield, decreased reproductive performance, and reduced wool production but can be remedied with Se supplementation (
). Current FDA allowance of Se is not to exceed 0.3 mg/kg for complete feeds, or 90 mg/kg in a salt-mineral mixtures being fed at 0.7 mg per head per day (
Additional supplementation of mineral to the basal diet had no effect (P = 0.34) on serum Zn concentrations of weaned ram lambs. Serum Zn concentration IQR was 0.19 μg/mL with a median of 0.70 μg/mL. Ranch mean serum Zn concentrations indicated 9.5% of ranches were deficient, 57.1% marginally deficient, 33.3% adequate, and none excessive. In general, production losses from animals classified as marginally deficient are difficult to quantify because subclinical signs such as mild hypophagia and subsequent reduced growth performance, decreased wool growth, and lower fertility (
) are not generally quantified and prescriptively remedied at the ranch level. Of the 214 sheep sampled in the study, 74.3% were inadequate in serum Zn concentrations. As stated previously in the discussion, Zn serum concentration is affected by both infectious and noninfectious stress or hemolysis in serum concentrations (
, who reported no effect of supplementation on whole blood Zn concentrations in eastern Europe. Considerations should include Zn source bioavailability in mineral supplements, because organic sources of a mineral are generally identified as more bioavailable than inorganic sources (
Effect of different levels and sources of zinc supplementation on quantitative and qualitative semen attributes and serum testosterone level in crossbred cattle (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) bulls..
Mineral and protein contents of Blue Grama and Western Wheatgrass (contenido de minerals y proteinase n el Navajita Azul (Bouteloua gracilis) y Western Wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii))..
Mineral and protein contents of Blue Grama and Western Wheatgrass (contenido de minerals y proteinase n el Navajita Azul (Bouteloua gracilis) y Western Wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii))..
). Late summer and autumn coincide with major production periods (i.e., weaning, breeding, and marketing lambs) for many western US sheep ranches, and it is likely that the dietary Zn shortfall combined with increased physiological demands may result in clinical and subclinical deficiencies. Zinc supplementation is warranted and may be beneficial during times when producers are relying on dormant rangelands or harvested forages to supply adequate dietary Zn concentrations.
Optimal concentrations of dietary Zn for sheep are not well understood. However, the high tolerance of sheep to dietary Zn (300 mg of Zn/kg of diet DM;
reported greater wool growth and ADG in rams consuming increased concentrations of dietary Zn (>90 mg/kg of DM). The tissues of the testes contain high concentrations of Zn and are affected by low dietary Zn levels, which can reduce male reproductive efficiency (
). The effect of Zn deficiency on reproductive function appears to be more prominent in males than in females, possibly because of the enzymes involved in steroidogenesis (
Relationships Among Serum Trace Mineral Concentrations
Estimated Pearson correlation coefficients between serum trace mineral concentrations using individual ram lamb records are reported in Table 6. Serum Se was moderately and positively correlated (0.35; P < 0.001) with serum Co. Serum Se was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with serum Cu (0.16). Additionally, serum Se was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with serum Mn; however, the magnitude of the correlation coefficient was low (0.14).
Effect of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn supplementation on the elemental content of soft tissues and bone in sheep grazing ryegrass/white clover pasture..
reported increased tissue Se and Mn concentrations that coincided with increasing dietary concentrations. Serum Co had negative correlations (P < 0.05) with serum Fe (−0.19) and Mo (−0.25). A tendency for correlations (P < 0.07) was also found between serum Zn and serum Co (−0.14), Cu (0.20), and Fe (0.32); however, the absolute values were all low. Pearson correlation coefficients between all other pairs of serum trace minerals were not significantly different from zero (P > 0.10).
Table 6.Estimated Pearson correlation coefficients between serum trace mineral concentrations of individual ram lambs (n = 214) across ranches
Water samples were analyzed for livestock suitability from 20 of the participating ranches, and quality characteristics are reported in Table 7. Extremes in water quality indicators can affect the biological availability of certain trace minerals due to potential antagonist interactions between minerals (
). However, interpreting antagonistic relationships from water quality is challenging in the current field survey study because water or mineral intake was not quantified. Furthermore, water quality can be difficult to define because it is influenced by taste, smell, turbidity, and electrical conductivity (
). Nevertheless, the current study does offer a base of knowledge to interpret how water quality may effect trace mineral status.
Table 7Average and range of concentrations, percentage of samples exceeding the maximum upper level, and concentration at the maximum upper limit for water minerals, compounds, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH evaluated from 20 ranches
reported a similar percentage of water sources exceeding maximum tolerable levels for Na (42%), sulfate (37%), and pH (36%). Water sources in the study by
were sampled throughout production years at the Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory located near Miles City, Montana. In cases when Na concentrations in water are excessive, animals may refuse a salt-mineral mix offered ad libitum (
), potentially exacerbating intake variation within flocks. Increased concentration and intake of S in water and feed may reduce Se bioavailability, because these 2 minerals have similar physical and chemical properties (
). Sulfur interacts with several other minerals including Cu, Mo, and Zn, and high concentrations of sulfates in water sources could act as an antagonist, possibly causing deficiencies in the current study. An acceptable pH range for livestock water is 6 to 8.5 (
). Water with total dissolved solid concentrations between 4,900 and 7,000 mg/kg should be used with caution, and any water sources with greater levels should be avoided. Results from the present study outline the importance of regularly testing drinking water to account for characteristics that could influence mineral supplementation management programs.
Relationships Among Water Characteristics and Serum Trace Mineral Concentrations
Estimated Pearson correlation coefficients between ranch mean serum Se and Zn concentrations and water characteristics are displayed in Table 8. Serum Se was positively and moderately correlated (P < 0.08) with water Na and total dissolved solids. All other Pearson correlation coefficients were not different from zero (P > 0.10). This could be due to the fact that serum mineral status may be less affected by water characteristics or that serum is not the appropriate indicator for detection of water’s influence on some minerals.
Table 8Estimated Pearson correlation coefficients between ranch mean serum Se and Zn concentration and water minerals, compounds, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH evaluated from 20 ranches
Results from the current study provide insight on serum trace mineral concentrations in a subpopulation of developing ram lambs in addition to the broader concern that 33% of ranches did not provide mineral supplement. Supplementation of trace minerals had an influence on serum Se concentrations. On average, serum Se concentrations were lower in animals located in western Montana along the Rocky Mountain front, which was likely due to soil and forage Se deficiencies. Selenium and Zn were the 2 most deficient and marginally deficient minerals across Montana ram lamb populations, and additional supplementation of these trace minerals is recommended. Additional factors that may influence mineral status variation include individual intake, forage species maturity, season, bioavailability of trace mineral chemical form, and mineral antagonists.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Support for this study was provided by the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (2016-81-0045) and Montana State Agricultural Experiment Station. The authors expresses gratitude to Sarah Spear (Spear Sheep Ranch, Buffalo, MT) and Monica Ebert (Core Merino, Port Elizabeth, South Africa) for their assistance.
LITERATURE CITED
Ademi A.
Bernhoft A.
Govasmark E.
Bytyqi H.
Sivertsen T.
Singh B.R.
Selenium and other mineral concentrations in feed and sheep’s blood in Kosovo..
Effect of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn supplementation on the elemental content of soft tissues and bone in sheep grazing ryegrass/white clover pasture..
Effect of different levels and sources of zinc supplementation on quantitative and qualitative semen attributes and serum testosterone level in crossbred cattle (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) bulls..
Influence of manganese intake on body, wool and testicular growth of young rams and the concentration of manganese and activity of manganese enzymes in tissues..
Mineral and protein contents of Blue Grama and Western Wheatgrass (contenido de minerals y proteinase n el Navajita Azul (Bouteloua gracilis) y Western Wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii))..
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