Cattle Health Archives - American Cattlemen

Small Nutrients, Big Impact

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Cattle- Web-Manager-2

Small Nutrients, Big Impact

Minerals play a key role in every stage of a cow’s life. They help build strong bones, support muscle and nerve function, improve reproduction, strengthen the immune system, and keep cattle growing and performing at their best. Without the right balance of minerals, cattle are more likely to get sick, grow slowly, or struggle with fertility and production. For this reason, a solid mineral and supplement program should be incorporated into your operation.

17 Essential Minerals

Cattle need 17 essential minerals in their diet. These are divided into 7 macrominerals, which are needed in larger amounts, and 10 trace minerals, which are required in much smaller amounts. Even though trace minerals are needed in tiny amounts, they have a major impact on overall herd health.

Some minerals have been studied more than others. When we look at a study, Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle, which was published in Merck Veterinary Manual in August of 2023 by J. Smith, we can learn about minerals and how they affect our cattle. After all, sick and poor performing cattle do not make us much profit. The study shows that calcium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, zinc, and magnesium have the greatest effect on growth, reproduction, immunity, and profitability. Other minerals, such as chromium, nickel, and cobalt, are still being studied as researchers continue to learn more about how cattle use them. As new information becomes available, nutrition recommendations continue to change, helping producers get more value from their mineral programs. For this reason, it’s important to re-evaluate your mineral program and adjust to reap the most profit.

The seven macrominerals each have an important job. Calcium and phosphorus work together to build strong bones and support growth, fertility, and energy use. Magnesium helps muscles and nerves function properly and helps prevent grass tetany in grazing cattle. Potassium supports hydration, muscle function, and helps cattle cope with heat stress. Sodium and chloride (salt), helps regulate body fluids, nerve function, and digestion. Sulfur is needed by rumen microbes to produce protein, although too much sulfur can interfere with copper absorption and create other health problems.

The study showed that trace minerals are just as important. For instance, copper supports immunity, reproduction, hoof health, and disease resistance, while selenium works with vitamin E to protect cells, improve fertility, and prevent white muscle disease. Zinc promotes healthy skin, strong feet, wound healing, and a healthy immune system. Manganese is important for bone development, reproduction, and fetal growth. Cobalt allows rumen microbes to produce energy. Iodine supports thyroid function, metabolism, and healthy calf development. Iron carries oxygen in the blood, although true iron deficiencies are uncommon in adult cattle. Molybdenum, chromium, and nickel are still being studied, with much of the current research focusing on how they interact with other minerals and influence cattle health.

Exploring Mineral Deficiencies

So, what happens when the macrominerals or trace minerals are lacking? A 2025 study by D. Villar, D. J. Schaeffer, and R. Poppenga, (Diagnostic Findings of Copper, Selenium and Manganese Deficiency in Dairy and Beef Cattle) which was submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory shows that trace mineral deficiencies remain a major health concern in beef cattle. In this study, 1,490 liver samples were collected from beef and dairy cattle by the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory between 2012 and 2021. It found that beef cattle were somewhat likely to be deficient in copper and selenium. Copper deficiency was found in 33.5% of beef cattle. Selenium deficiency was even more common, affecting 46% of beef cattle.

These findings highlight the important role trace minerals play in keeping cattle healthy. Copper and selenium are essential for a strong immune system, healthy growth, and normal reproduction. Cattle that are deficient in these minerals are more likely to develop health problems, especially bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Research also shows that mineral-deficient cattle often have a weaker response to vaccines, making it harder for them to fight off disease.

This study concluded that copper, selenium, and zinc also help protect the body’s cells during times of stress. Weaning, working cattle, transportation, extreme weather, or illness place extra demands on cattle. So, we can conclude that having copper and selenium at adequate levels will support cattle health. These trace minerals are part of antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from damage and help keep the immune system strong. When cattle do not receive enough of these nutrients, their natural defenses become weaker.

One other area this study explored was the effects of trace minerals on reproduction. Copper, selenium, and zinc help support hormone production, healthy egg development, and normal embryo growth. Deficiencies can reduce conception rates, increase pregnancy loss, and lower the overall reproductive performance of the herd.

Providing enough minerals is only part of the challenge. Some elements found in feed and water, including iron, molybdenum, and sulfur, can interfere with copper absorption. Even when a ration contains enough copper, these mineral interactions may prevent cattle from using it efficiently. Because of this, many nutritionists recommend testing forage, water, or liver samples to identify hidden deficiencies and build a mineral program that fits the herd’s needs.

Chelated Trace Minerals

Chelated or organic trace minerals quickly correct severe deficiencies during high-stress events compared to inorganic sources. The American Cattlemen Podcast was able to sit down with Tracer Mineral founder, Chris Schutze, to learn more about the benefits of organic minerals. Chris Schutze started Tracer Minerals over a decade ago and has been in the cattle industry for most of his life.

Chris explains chelated minerals. He says, “We take zinc sulfate or copper sulfate and solubilize it”. Schulte says, “It dodges antagonisms like high sulfur and iron. It resists digestion and can be absorbed.” This allows for faster absorption for cattle.

Supplementation Strategies

So, from the research and studies done by both private companies and universities, we can learn that a balanced mineral program is one of the best investments a producer can make. Supplying copper, selenium, zinc, and other essential trace minerals helps strengthen immunity, improve reproductive performance, increase vaccine response, and support healthier, more productive cattle.

Studies recommend access to mineral mixes 365 days a year. Whether that’s a tub, block or loose mix is up to you. Chris Schutze stresses that the goal is not to replace conventional sulfates and minerals with chelated trace minerals, but to use both forms together. Chris Schutze states, “We still need to feed some sulfates so we have two different mineral absorption methods.”

This will create multiple absorption pathways and improving overall mineral status. The result is better fertility, stronger immunity, improved response to treatments, and more efficient energy use. Chris Schutze says, “We’re supplementing [cattle] because those feeds do not have sufficient minerals to achieve the results we want. Will animals survive? Yes, most of them will, but some of them will die. If you don’t supplement, your fertility goes down, your energy utilization goes down, your feed costs go up.”

Prep Your Cattle for Calving

A major theme in supplementing minerals is easier and more cost effective to front load your cattle and prepare them for stress, rather than try and combat nutrient deficiencies, especially during stressful times. This is particularly true for calving purposes. Chris Schutze emphasizes that success in the cattle business starts long before calving season. You want to build your cow’s body condition so she’s ready. He explains this as “providing that calf with enough nutrition through that cow so it can develop the best possible way.” He explains we want the calf built up so it can express its full genetic potential.

Because milk is relatively poor in key trace minerals, the calf must be well-mineralized before it hits the ground. He says, “That baby calf is born with most of the trace minerals it’s going to have for a while.”

Chris Schutze looks at mineral programs as an investment. Profits on fertility, feed efficiency, immunity, and longevity can give you more than the cost of your mineral program. To listen to the full podcast, visit: https://americancattlemen.com/podcast/tracer-minerals-with-chris-schuetze/.

Continuous Learning and Adjustments

Today’s research is moving beyond simply preventing mineral deficiencies. Scientists are working to better understand how minerals interact with one another, how different mineral sources are absorbed, and how a cow’s mineral status during pregnancy affects her calf throughout its life.

Overall, the strongest research continues to suggest providing cattle mineral with copper, selenium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These minerals have the greatest impact on immune function, reproduction, growth, and overall herd performance. A well-balanced mineral program is one of the best investments cattle producers can make to improve animal health and long-term profitability.

References:

Villar, D., Schaeffer, D. J., & Poppenga, R. (2025). Diagnostic findings of copper, selenium and manganese deficiency in dairy and beef cattle submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory. Bovine Practitioner. https://doi.org/10.21423/bpj20259267

Smith, J. (2023, August). Nutrient requirements of beef cattle. In Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed by A. Abuelo. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-beef-cattle/nutrient-requirements-of-beef-cattle

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Building Immunity When It Matters Most

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Cattle- Web-Manager-2

Building Immunity When It Matters Most

By Jessica Graham

After birth, weaning is one of the most stressful events in a calf’s life. Separation from the cow, dietary changes, transportation, commingling with unfamiliar cattle, and environmental stressors all challenge a calf’s immune system. Unfortunately, this stress often coincides with the period when calves become most susceptible to respiratory disease and other health problems.

For this reason, developing a vaccination program before weaning reduce illness, improve performance, and increase the value of calves. While every operation should develop a herd-specific health plan, and consider which vaccines would benefit their operation the best.

The Core Vaccines Every Producer Should Consider

Veterinarians generally recommend three key vaccine categories for calves entering the weaning period. The first is a modified-live 5-way respiratory vaccine designed to protect against several of the most common viral pathogens involved in Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). These vaccines typically provide protection against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVD) Types I and II, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), and Parainfluenza-3 (PI3). As you know, BRD hits quickly and takes its toll fast. These viruses represent some of the most significant health threats calves face during and after weaning. Vaccinating calves before weaning gives their immune systems time to develop protection before stress levels rise.

Another staple in a calf vaccination program is a 7-way or 8-way clostridial vaccine, commonly referred to as a blackleg vaccine. Clostridial bacteria are naturally present in the environment and can cause sudden, often fatal diseases such as blackleg, malignant edema, and enterotoxemia. Unlike some respiratory vaccines that can be affected by maternal antibodies, clostridial vaccines tend to work very effectively in young calves because they protect against toxins produced by the bacteria. Many veterinarians consider these vaccines among the most valuable and cost-effective tools available for preventing catastrophic losses. If you vaccinate in the beginning, it’s a lot cheaper of an investment thank losing a calf, especially in this market.

In addition to viral protection, many producers choose to vaccinate against bacterial pneumonia pathogens. Bacterial infections are often responsible for the severe lung damage and fatalities associated with pneumonia. Including bacterial pneumonia vaccines in a preconditioning program can provide another layer of protection, especially in herds with a history of respiratory disease challenges. They can cost you on growth potential and performance.

Timing Matters

One of the most important factors in a successful vaccination program is timing. Veterinarians generally recommend administering primary vaccinations or booster doses approximately three to four weeks before weaning. This schedule allows calves to develop a strong immune response before they experience the stress associated with separation from their dams.

When calves are vaccinated on the day of weaning, elevated cortisol levels caused by stress can suppress immune function and reduce vaccine effectiveness. By vaccinating ahead of time, producers allow calves to build immunity while they are still nursing and experiencing relatively low levels of stress. This simple management decision can make a significant difference in overall calf health and vaccine performance.

Some cattlemen are incorporating substances into their calf management programs to help reduce stress during challenging events such as weaning, transportation, vaccination, castration, and dehorning. These products mimic naturally occurring compounds produced by cows and are designed to help calves remain calmer during periods of transition. Research has shown that reducing stress may support improved feed intake, weight gain, health outcomes, and overall performance. While these products are not vaccines and do not provide disease protection, they can serve as a useful complement to reduce stress and help cattle cope with weaning and handling.

Understanding Maternal Antibodies

Newborn calves rely heavily on antibodies obtained through colostrum during the first few hours of life. This passive immunity provides critical early protection against disease but can also interfere with the calf’s response to certain vaccines. As maternal antibody levels decline over time, calves become more capable of developing their own immune responses.

The timing of this transition varies among calves depending on factors such as colostrum quality, intake, and absorption. Researchers generally find that calves begin responding more consistently to vaccines by approximately three months of age. Some viruses, particularly BRSV, are known for experiencing significant interference from maternal antibodies, which is one reason vaccination programs often need to be tailored to individual farms and operations.

Modified-Live Versus Killed Vaccines

Producers face the decision of whether to use modified-live or killed vaccines in their calf health programs. Modified-live vaccines contain weakened organisms that stimulate an immune response similar to natural infection without causing disease in healthy animals. Because the vaccine organisms replicate within the animal, they typically generate a stronger and longer-lasting immune response. Modified-live products often provide quicker protection, require fewer booster doses, and can be more economical than killed vaccines.

However, modified-live vaccines are not for every situation. Producers should use caution as some modified-live IBR vaccines have occasionally been associated with abortion events in susceptible cows. This is where consulting your vet makes a big difference. Veterinary guidance is especially important when selecting products.

Killed vaccines offer an excellent safety profile because they cannot replicate or cause disease. These products can be particularly useful in situations where modified-live vaccines may pose concerns. The tradeoff is that killed vaccines generally require a booster vaccination two to three weeks after the initial dose to achieve optimal protection. For operations that cannot reliably administer boosters, modified-live products may offer greater flexibility.

The Value of Intranasal Vaccines

Intranasal vaccines have become increasingly popular for respiratory disease prevention, especially in herds with a history of pneumonia problems in young calves. Unlike injectable products, intranasal vaccines work with the local immunity within the respiratory tract, which is the body’s first line of defense against many respiratory pathogens.

An additional advantage is their ability to bypass maternal antibody interference. Products such as Bovilis Nasalgen 3 can provide rapid protection against respiratory viruses and are especially useful when calves are at risk for conditions such as summer pneumonia associated with BRSV. While intranasal vaccines can be highly effective, they are generally most beneficial when incorporated into a comprehensive vaccination strategy rather than used as a stand-alone solution.

Preconditioning Pays

Vaccination represents only one part of a successful preconditioning program. Producers who invest in comprehensive calf preparation often realize substantial returns through improved health and stronger sale prices.

Beyond sale-day premiums, healthier calves typically require fewer treatments, experience lower death loss, maintain better feed efficiency, and achieve stronger overall performance throughout the production cycle. These benefits often provide returns that extend well beyond the initial investment in vaccination and management.

Build a Herd-Specific Plan

No vaccination program is universally perfect. Disease challenges, calving environments, management practices, and marketing goals vary considerably from one operation to another. The most successful programs are those that address the diseases most likely to affect a particular herd while ensuring calves are protected before stressful events occur.

Working closely with a veterinarian can help producers develop a vaccination strategy tailored to their specific needs. By combining respiratory protection, clostridial vaccination, bacterial pneumonia prevention when appropriate, and proper timing, producers can help calves navigate the weaning period successfully while positioning them for long-term health and productivity.

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Agragene Selected for USDA Grand Challenge and FFAR Grants To Combat New World Screwworm

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Cattle- Web-Manager-2

St. Louis (June 25, 2026) – Agragene announces funding from the USDA New World Screwworm Grand Challenge and from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. The grants were awarded through competitive processes by both USDA and FFAR with the former involving hundreds of submissions. Both grants are designed to facilitate additional research on the company’s novel insect sterility technology.

Agragene uses precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to deliver healthy, sterile male flies to mate with wild female screwworm.

Bryan Witherbee, CEO of Agragene, says the technology has demonstrated the ability to deliver significant impact in reducing other invasive pest populations.

“Agragene is excited for the opportunity to develop its pgSIT technology to address New World screwworm. In talking with ranchers, it’s clear they need improved tools. The technology offers a cost-effective, scalable platform to bring healthy sterile males to combat this devastating insect.” Witherbee also notes, “Agragene’s experience in pgSIT development and regulatory work will be a key advantage to bring this technology forward rapidly.”

Dr. Omar S. Akbari, co-founder of Agragene and Tata Chancellor’s Endowed Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of California San Diego, who developed the technology, said:

“These awards provide an important opportunity to accelerate development of next-generation genetic biocontrol technologies for New World screwworm. The resurgence of this devastating pest underscores the urgent need for new tools that can complement existing control strategies. Our precision-guided sterile insect technique, or pgSIT, uses CRISPR-based genetics to produce healthy, sterile males that remain competitive for mates in the wild, with the potential to improve the efficiency and scalability of future screwworm control programs.”

Agragene was selected as a collaborator on projects led by Dr. Max Scott of North Carolina State University and Dr. Molly Duman Scheel of the Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health.

About Agragene:

Agragene is the leading global company focusing on delivering pgSIT technology to address invasive insect challenges around the world and holds novel intellectual property for this technology and field.

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