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Development of Zinc Deficiency in Holstein Calves Fed a Purified Diet

Dairy Department University of Georgia, Athens

ABSTRACT

Zinc has been shown to be a required nutrient for many species and is believed to be essential for all animals. As late as 1956, it was stated by leading authorities that a deficiency of this element in farm animals was unlikely under practical conditions (3, 7). Since then it has been found that zinc deficiency often occurs under practical conditions in swine (6). The authors have been unable to find a report of a zinc deficiency in cattle or any other ruminant animal. An experimentally produced zinc deficiency in male Holstein calves is described in this report.

The four experimental calves stayed with their dams for one day after birth and were then given a total of 500 lb. whole milk each over an 8-wk. period. They were maintained in wooden pens with elevated slatted bottoms without bedding. Milk from cows in the middle portion of lactation was used, as it has been reported that the zinc content of milk is at its lowest during this period (5).