Calf deficiency data prompts call for renewed trace element review
9th December 2025
Suckler producers are being urged to review their cow supplementation programmes after widespread trace element deficiencies have been identified in suckled calves.
A review by SRUC Veterinary Services of 1,662 post-mortems carried out between 2016 and 2020 on calves less than six months old found that more than half showed signs of vitamin E and selenium deficiency – both vital for immunity and disease resistance. Almost a quarter (24%) of calves examined also showed evidence of respiratory disease.
With reports of variable forage quality following this year’s mixed summer, experts are warning that the need for mineral supplementation may be even greater heading into winter.
As a result, farmers are being advised to carry out pre- and post-calving mineral checks to understand the trace element status of their cows and supplement where needed.
Adequate supplementation throughout pregnancy is key
Nia Williams, technical manager with Nettex, explained that selenium and vitamin E have a complex but complementary relationship, and deficiency in one or both can significantly increase disease risk – particularly in young or fast-growing calves.
“Both elements have antioxidant properties, are important in immune function, and help protect cell membranes, especially in muscle cells.
“Deficiency is more common in beef animals fed home-grown forages from selenium-deficient pastures without access to suitable mineral supplementation.”
The expert added that ensuring cows are adequately supplemented throughout pregnancy is key to supporting calf health.
“It’s vital farmers understand what’s happening within the herd so that any nutritional gaps can be addressed before they impact calf health,” she said.
“As the SRUC data highlights, nearly a quarter of calves examined at post-mortem had respiratory disease. Illness is often multi-factorial, but ensuring adequate trace element status is a key part of maintaining healthy, resilient animals.”
Trace element deficiencies
To ensure cows and calves are receiving the correct trace elements, Mrs Williams recommends metabolic profiling one month prior to the start of calving, which involves a vet taking blood samples to assess energy, protein, and mineral status.
“Metabolic profiling provides valuable insight into how well a ration is performing and where any shortfalls may lie,” she explained.
“It’s especially useful when combined with forage analysis and ration testing. Farmers should also be aware of trace element deficiencies, particularly if they are outwintering, when supplementation can easily be overlooked.”
The advice is that mineral supplementation should always be available when animals are outwintered, particularly if they are grazing forage crops.
“Trace element deficiencies are often a hidden issue on farm, but addressing them can make a huge difference to animal health, performance, and profitability. Now is the ideal time to review rations and supplementation to ensure cows and calves are getting everything they need going into winter,” Mrs Williams added.
“Boluses are a really effective way of accurately providing the trace elements an animal needs. They also offer long-term coverage, meaning less handling,” the expert concluded.
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