Iowa State University Research Explores Zinc Supplementation to Enhance Cattle Health and Growth
Source: The DairyNews
At Iowa State University, a pioneering study is exploring the potential benefits of increasing zinc levels in cattle diets before transportation.
Led by Professor Stephanie Hansen from the Department of Animal Science, this research builds upon previous findings that demonstrated the positive impact of post-transport zinc supplementation on feedlot steer performance. The current three-year study, supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to ascertain whether similar advantages can be achieved by boosting zinc intake prior to transit.
The study involves cattle subjected to eight or eighteen hours of trucking, with their diets supplemented with two different levels of zinc. Control groups received no additional zinc. Following their arrival, the cattle's performance, including standing behavior and feeding activity, as well as their feed intake and growth, were closely monitored. Additionally, biochemical markers related to muscle and blood metabolism were analyzed.
Preliminary results are promising, showing that cattle pre-fed with zinc exhibited marked improvements in overall health and performance indicators. Notably, after a 42-day preconditioning period, cattle given 100 ppm of zinc sulfate weighed an average of 13 pounds more than their counterparts. This suggests a direct correlation between pre-transit zinc supplementation and increased market weight.
The study not only confirms the role of zinc in enhancing feed intake—a critical factor in energy replenishment after transport—but also highlights its broader implications for animal welfare and productivity. With continued positive outcomes, Professor Hansen anticipates collaborating with ranchers on a nutritional preconditioning program that could potentially lead to premium pricing for beef cattle.
Graduate students Allison Baumhover and Brock Ortner, who are actively involved in the research, are expected to present their findings at the upcoming American Society of Animal Science Meeting in Calgary, Alberta. This research not only serves the industry but also contributes significantly to the scientific understanding of nutritional impacts on livestock health and economic returns.
The study involves cattle subjected to eight or eighteen hours of trucking, with their diets supplemented with two different levels of zinc. Control groups received no additional zinc. Following their arrival, the cattle's performance, including standing behavior and feeding activity, as well as their feed intake and growth, were closely monitored. Additionally, biochemical markers related to muscle and blood metabolism were analyzed.
Preliminary results are promising, showing that cattle pre-fed with zinc exhibited marked improvements in overall health and performance indicators. Notably, after a 42-day preconditioning period, cattle given 100 ppm of zinc sulfate weighed an average of 13 pounds more than their counterparts. This suggests a direct correlation between pre-transit zinc supplementation and increased market weight.
The study not only confirms the role of zinc in enhancing feed intake—a critical factor in energy replenishment after transport—but also highlights its broader implications for animal welfare and productivity. With continued positive outcomes, Professor Hansen anticipates collaborating with ranchers on a nutritional preconditioning program that could potentially lead to premium pricing for beef cattle.
Graduate students Allison Baumhover and Brock Ortner, who are actively involved in the research, are expected to present their findings at the upcoming American Society of Animal Science Meeting in Calgary, Alberta. This research not only serves the industry but also contributes significantly to the scientific understanding of nutritional impacts on livestock health and economic returns.
