Factors Affecting Zinc Content of Bovine Hair

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Ten experiments were conducted to study the effects of potentially important factors on the zinc content of cattle hair. In Holsteins the order of descending amounts of zinc in hair were white tail, black body, and white body. Jersey fawn had slightly more zinc than black Holstein hair. The distal and proximal ends of the hair contained the same amounts. Hair from the neck and rib areas tended to have more zinc than that from the leg regions. There were no differences in hair from the para lumbar fossa and the gluteal regions. Hair from 5-month-old heifers had more zinc than that of either young or aged cows which were not different. Washing the hair by various procedures prior to collecting the sample had different effects with changing conditions. Thorough brushing, washing with detergent and water, thorough rinsing and drying was a desirable procedure. Hair from zinc-deficient calves contained less zinc than that from those given adequate zinc. When the groups were fed a practical diet, the differences disappeared.