Resumen

GARCIA-FUERTE, Ruth Manzayani et al. Mineral diagnosis of grazing beef cows. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2025, vol.16, n.2, pp.236-253.  Epub 29-Sep-2025. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v16i2.6802.

The present research aimed to determine the mineral concentrations in forage, water, and blood serum, and the clinical signs of grazing cows. Twenty-five (25) Angus and Hereford cows of different physiological states were analyzed, from which blood samples were taken by venipuncture. Forage samples were collected using the hand-plucking technique and water was collected from available sources. The determination of minerals was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and visible ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The blood serum of the cows showed deficient concentrations of copper (100 %), zinc (88 %), sodium (52 %), potassium (36 %), and phosphorus (16 %). Iron and manganese were in concentrations above the normal range. A copper deficiency classification index (CUDI) was generated: severe 0.41-0.48 mg L-1, moderate > 0.48-0.54 mg L-1, and mild > 0.54 -0.79 mg L-1. Sixty-eight, 20, and 12 % of the cows corresponded to the given classification, respectively. The following signs were identified: abortions, lameness, dull, shaggy, and discolored hair, tearing, steely hair, goiter, and pica. For forage, deficient levels of copper (1.27 mg kg-1) and zinc (24.5 mg kg-1) were found. In water, copper and zinc were not detectable, and there was excess iron 0.345 (mg L-1). In conclusion, the primary deficiency is copper, caused by deficiencies in forage, water, and possible imbalances caused by other minerals.

Palabras llave : Bovines; Minerals; Deficiency; Copper; and Zinc.

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