Trace Mineral Additions to All-Barley Rations

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Abstract
A series of seven trials involving 345 steers was conducted to determine the nutrient deficiencies of an all-barley ration supplemented with soybean meal, calcium and vitamin A. Fortification of an all-barley type fattening ration with dehydrated alfalfa meal, molasses or various trace mineral combinations generally improved growth performance and general carcass traits. Of the six trace minerals studied (cobalt, zinc, iron copper, manganese, iodine), only cobalt and zinc appeared to be deficient. Performance data combined with chemical analyses of the various barleys indicate that the barley rations were deficient in cobalt and, possibly, marginal in zinc. The levels of manganese, copper, iron and iodine appeared to be adequate. The addition of the major minerals found in 1.8 kg. of alfalfa hay did not improve performance indicating that no major mineral deficiencies existed, with the exception of calcium which was added to all rations. Neither B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, B12) nor potassium carbonate additions improved performance of the cattle.

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