Larson, Robert L.Arthington, J.D.Corah, L.R.2010-10-152010-10-152010-10-15http://hdl.handle.net/2097/6371Trace mineral nutrition is important to production efficiency and animal health. Trace mineral imbalances may be the roots of many diagnosed or undiagnosed problems in a herd. The low cost of a complete mineral analysis when compared to production losses encourages its use in the evaluation of any bovine herd in which trace mineral imbalances are suspected. A systematic gathering of information on mineral intake, antagonist intake, and serum and tissue values is necessary in order to make a diagnosis and a rational treatment decision. It is important to understand the complex interactions between minerals so that supplementation with one element does not make a complicated situation worse. Because of the many interactions between nutrients and the cost of mineral supplements, recommending use of higher levels of trace minerals in a ration or supplement without a complete diagnosis is economically and nutritionally unjustified.BeefCopperTrace mineralsImmune functionConference paper