Trace minerals and reproduction in livestock

Larry L. Berger, Ph.D.

Salt Institute

Salt and Trace Minerals newsletter

Summer 2004 (Vol. 36, No. 2)

Reproductive efficiency is a major key to profitable livestock enterprises, but only recently has the crucial role of trace minerals been understood. Implantation, conception, fetal development and delivery, all are benefited when an animal is mineral sufficient. Trace minerals aid fetal development and raise neonatal survival rates. Zinc, copper, iodine and selenium deserve special consideration.