Vitamins & minerals decision tree and diagnostics

• Take a representative forage sample (conserved or grazing) to analyse for mineral content and check the mineral level the livestock are getting from the forages consumed   
• Consider other supplements and what the livestock are getting from these 

• Check the overall supply (forage and supplements) and demand for the different minerals. Most pelleted feeds will have minerals added at the point of manufacture; ask for a full mineral breakdown, this is not on the labels 
• Remember any long acting boluses or products and consider their daily supply in your calculations 
• If water isn’t from the mains ensure this is tested and included in your calculations. Imbalances could cause palatability issues or imbalances in the total diet 
• The current practice can be reviewed and amended. Discuss the clinical signs, supply and demand requirements for the groups of livestock with your vet and nutritionist  
• Blood or tissue samples might need to be taken to diagnosis deficiencies, imbalances or oversupply which can lead to toxicity issues  
• Informed decisions can then be made to resolve the issue and improve productivity 

Discuss the best way to check the element you are investigating, blood is the standard approach for most elements. Other micro elements can be analysed, discuss with your vet or nutritionist. 

Macro minerals

Micro minerals