Working with farmers to optimise mineral balance in grazing sheep

Abstract

Background: Trace mineral analysis is a useful but underused tool in ruminant livestock production. Routine on-farm use of diagnostic techniques can help to ensure animal nutritional requirements are being met through improved supplementation choices and timing of diagnostics. Aim of the article: This article discusses the practical importance of trace mineral testing and supplementation in sheep flocks. We include a case study to demonstrate how trace mineral management can be accomplished.