Q:
Do producers need a veterinarian's prescription to add selenium to cattle supplements such as salt-mineral mixes or blocks?
A:
No. Recent changes in FDA regulations and Federal laws allow supplemental selenium to be added to beef cattle supplements as well as other livestock and poultry supplements. There is a maximum allowable amount of selenium that can be supplemented. The maximum supplemental selenium is 0.3 parts per million (ppm) of the total diet or 120 ppm in salt mineral mixtures. By all means of supplementation a total maximum allowable amount is 3 milligrams (mg) per animal per day. Veterinarians may not write a prescription for amounts of selenium above these levels.
Updated: 04/14/97
Q:
How can I find out if my cattle are copper deficient?
A:
Your veterinarian can analyze serum or liver samples to determine the copper status of your cattle. If the cattle are very deficient in copper the serum samples will be low; however, if a marginal deficiency exists or if the cattle have been supplemented with copper recently a liver sample will be necessary. Many veterinarians in California have been trained in liver biopsy techniques during the last 2 years and can assist producers if liver biopsies are necessary for a diagnosis. If the cattle are copper deficient and supplementation is started, it is recommended that liver samples be analyzed on at least a yearly basis to be sure that the appropriate amount of copper is being supplemented. Copper has the smallest margin of safety of the essential trace elements and the greatest risk of toxicity if over supplemented. Copper toxicity results in significant death losses in cattle and other livestock species.
Updated: 04/14/97
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Q:
Do producers need a veterinarian's prescription to add selenium to cattle supplements such as salt-mineral mixes or blocks?
