Before carrying out any changes to diets and mineral intakes of cattle, in particular, the mineral status of the livestock should be known.

If mineral status has not been established, Telsol can arrange independent forage analysis and blood work, especially caeruloplasmin copper tests which identify enzyme copper in the blood plasma rather than the platelets, so that their products can be used as part of a strategic plan to balance mineral intakes.

Preventing thiomolybdate toxicity needs looking at from different angles. Molybdenum, sulphur and iron need to be targeted to remove them from the diet and from the farm environment.

1. Bore hole water is often rich in iron and sulhpides. If clinical symptoms are evident, consider changing drinking water to mains.

2. Bagged minerals often contain copper as copper-sulphate which provides a further source of sulphur. Consider changing to copper carbonate and reducing iron percentage. Even though it is more expensive, it will save money in the long run.

3. It is difficult to control what is in forage and silage, but high sulphur fertilizers should be avoided as they exacerbate the problem. Analysis is recommended as a check on this and any other management changes.

Telsol can put you in touch with an independent agricultural consultant to advise on general farm practices as well as diet formulations.

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