Impacts of Bovine Trace Mineral Supplementation on Maternal and Offspring Production and Health.

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe objective of this review is to address the importance of trace minerals in maternal and offspring health and production. Several specific trace minerals are discussed in the review, but many trace minerals are lacking research in the area of health, more specifically, maternal trace mineral impacts on offspring health. Much of the research focuses on production and growth and there is limited information regarding the impacts of maternal trace mineral supplementation and offspring health. Selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese have been researched more readily than others, such as cobalt and iron, which have had minimal research conducted.Nutritional status can have major implications for animal health and production. Energy balance is easily determined using a body condition scoring system. This allows producers to readily adjust diets to meet an animal’s needs. Far less obvious is an animal’s trace mineral status, which is typically not assessed until an animal’s performance falls below expectation or illness is detected. Trace mineral toxicities and deficiencies can manifest as reduced thriftiness and/or poor reproductive performance, resulting in economic consequences for producers. Maternal mineral status not only impacts dam heath, but also the health of subsequent offspring. Both the oocyte and embryo are susceptible to changes in maternal mineral status. This susceptibility is maintained throughout fetal development via placental control of nutrient transfer to the fetal system. Furthermore, maternal mineral status continues to impact offspring health via colostrum and milk quality. Herein we discuss the roles of trace minerals in bovine reproductive performance, maternal health, colostrum and milk quality, and offspring health.