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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAs you have probably noticed, the symptoms for each of these deficiencies are fairly similar- low growth rate, laziness, and low appetite. There are also plenty of other minerals than the ones listed above that are important, including calcium and phosphorous for bone growth and support. Other symptoms can include licking\/eating dirt or other objects. It is normal for calves to play with things in their mouths, but it is not normal for them to become obsessed with eating a dish or part of their pen. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
You will notice dents and scratches in their pens or buckets if they try to fulfill a deficiency on their own. Calves that are deficient will generally have dull eyes and a rough hair coat. Hair coats in calves should be full and flat, not spotty and standing on end. Working with your vet, you will be able to distinguish between any deficiency symptoms and disease symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A specific mineral deficiency can be tough to pinpoint. Deficiencies can be detected through blood and tissue samples; however, some may require samples from a necropsy after the animal has died. Your vet may recommend a well-rounded mineral supplement to touch on each of these areas. Some supplements can be added to a newborn calf protocol. Paying attention to your calves and fresh cows will help you identify patterns and enable you to give your vet the best information you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grace Kline operates Diamond Valley Dairy in Southeast Pennsylvania with her husband Jacob, along with two of his brothers. They milk 60 cows in a tie stall, where Grace cares for the calves and young stock. Grace graduated from Morrisville State College in Morrisville, New York, after completing an internship on a dairy in Wisconsin where she learned many of her calf care skills.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dairy-Cattle. \u201cAppropriate Methods of Diagnosing Mineral Deficiencies in Cattle.\u201dDAIReXNET<\/em>, 16 Aug. 2019, dairy-cattle.extension.org\/appropriate-methods-of-diagnosing-mineral-deficiencies-in-cattl e\/.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Torres, Hannah. \u201cCommon Mineral Deficiencies in Cattle and Treatments \u2013 Provico Rural.\u201d ProviCo<\/em>, 14 Feb. 2022,www.provicorural.com.au\/common-mineral-deficiencies-in-cattle-and-treatments\/.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhite Muscle Disease.\u201d White Muscle Disease | The Cattle Site<\/em>, The Cattle Site, 29 Sept. 2022, www.thecattlesite.com\/diseaseinfo\/258\/white-muscle-disease.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n