scholarly journals PSXII-10 The effects of different mineral supplementation strategies on feedlot performance of mineral deficient cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 438-438
Author(s):  
Tevan J Brady ◽  
Caleb C Reichhardt ◽  
Reganne K Briggs ◽  
Laura A Smith ◽  
Kara J Thornton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Time ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Liver Copper ◽  
Time Treatment ◽  
Mineral Supplementation ◽  
Zinc Concentrations ◽  
Mineral Concentrations ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Mineral deficient cattle that enter a feedlot have been documented to have increased morbidity and mortality rates and decreased feedlot performance. The objective of this research was to explore current practices used by feedlot producers when receiving mineral deficient cattle. To accomplish this, forty steers were blocked by weight and mineral status, then assigned to one of four treatment groups: control (Con; n = 10), industry mineral requirements (IND; n = 10) top dressed on TMR fed, 2X industry mineral requirements (2XIND; n = 10) top dressed on TMR fed, and MultiMin® injection at labeled dose (MM; n = 10). All steers received the same ration in pens equipped with GrowSafe® bunks. Standing liver biopsies were collected on day 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 and analyzed for mineral content. Steers were weighed on day 0, 14, 28, 41, 56, 70, 84, and 110. Average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency (FE) were recorded. After the trial, steers were harvested at a commercial facility and carcass data was obtained from the plant. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in weight gain or overall ADG between treatment groups. When analyzed over time, treatment had an effect (P < 0.001) on liver copper and selenium concentrations, but no effects (P > 0.05) were observed on liver manganese and zinc concentrations. Additionally, when DMI was analyzed over time, effects (P < 0.05) of time, treatment, and treatment*time were observed, and effects (P < 0.05) of time and treatment*time were observed on FE. Treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on carcass data. These data indicate that different mineral supplementation strategies have diverse effects on feedlot performance and liver mineral concentrations over time.

Flight speed as an indicator of Zebu cattle growth performance and suitability to the feedlot environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 560
Author(s):  
Désirée Gellatly ◽  
Joslaine N. S. G. Cyrillo ◽  
Aline C. Sant'Anna ◽  
Tiago S. Valente ◽  
Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Flight Speed ◽  
Zebu Cattle ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Over Time

Context Studies assessing the relationship between cattle reactivity and growth performance, as well as suitability to the feedlot, in Zebu cattle are limited. Based on previous studies using Bos Taurus cattle, it is expected that reactivity measured at weaning could be used as a predictor of feedlot performance, and that cattle with greater flight speed (FS) would have reduced average daily gain (ADG). Aims The aims of this study were to (1) determine if FS (m/s) measured before entry into the feedlot could be used as a predictor of cattle performance, (2) evaluate the consistency of FS over time, and (3) determine when FS should be measured to best predict animal suitability to the feedlot. Methods A total of 54 Nellore and 40 Guzerat calves were assessed by using FS, which was collected at the time of (FS0) and 1 week after weaning (FS1), as well as on Day 28 (FS28), 56 (FS56) and 168 (FS168) after entry into the feedlot, and a FS average was calculated using FS28, FS56 and FS168 (FS28–168). Performance using ADG (kg/calf.day) was calculated for each animal over three periods: ADG1–28, ADG28–168 and ADG1–168. Bunk attendance (min/calf.day) was recorded over a 173-day feeding period. Key results The ADG28–168 was reduced by 0.14 kg/calf.day for each unit increase in FS0 (P < 0.05). Both ADG28–168 and ADG1–168 were reduced by 0.02 kg/calf.day for each unit increase in FS1 (P ≤ 0.01), but neither FS0 nor FS1 was associated with ADG1–28 (P > 0.10). A significant increase was observed between FS1 and FS28 (P < 0.01), followed by a reduction in FS56 (P < 0.01) and FS168 (P < 0.01). Conclusion FS measured at or within 1 week of weaning has the potential to be used as an indicator of feedlot growth performance in Nellore and Guzerat cattle. Implications Although our results do not indicate the efficacy of FS as a predictor of early suitability of cattle to the feedlot, it does have the potential to support its recommendation as an indicator of overall feedlot growth performance in Nellore and Guzerat breeds.

scholarly journals Nutritional Supplements Fortified with Oils from Canola, Flaxseed, Safflower and Rice Bran Improve Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Australian Prime Lambs

Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung Le ◽  
Quang Nguyen ◽  
Don Nguyen ◽  
Bunmi Malau-Aduli ◽  
Peter Nichols ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rice Bran ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Body Conformation ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
Dietary Oil

This study investigated live animal performance and carcass characteristics of Australian prime lambs fed oil based polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enriched pellets in a feedlot system. The tested hypothesis was that supplementation of lambs with a variety of dietary oil based PUFA enriched pellets would enhance growth and carcass characteristics compared with the control lambs fed only with lucerne hay. Seventy-two, 6 months old White Suffolk x Corriedale first-cross prime lambs with an average liveweight (LWT) of 35.7 ± 0.9 kg were allocated to six treatment groups in a completely randomised experimental design. The treatments were: (1) control: lucerne hay only; or lucerne hay plus wheat-based pellets infused with 50 mL/kg dry matter (DM) of oils from (2) rice bran (RBO); (3) canola (CO); (4) rumen protected (RPO); (5) flaxseed (FO) and (6) safflower (SO) dietary sources. All lambs had ad libitum access to lucerne hay and clean fresh water. Supplemented lambs were fed 1 kg of pellet/head/day for 10 weeks. Feed intake, final LWT, average daily gain (ADG), body conformation and carcass characteristics of lambs in the supplemented groups were all greater than for the control group. SO lambs had the lowest ADG of 190.3 g/day. RBO and CO treatments had the lowest feed cost per unit gain of AU$3.0/kg. Supplemented lambs had similar over the hooks (OTH) incomes that were all higher than that of the control group. This empirical evidence-based data demonstrated that supplementation of lambs with RBO and CO had comparatively lower feed costs without compromising ADG, carcass characteristics and OTH income.

scholarly journals 290 Impacts of dietary zinc concentrations on lamb feedlot performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 212-212
Author(s):  
Ryan Knuth ◽  
Hannah Cunningham ◽  
Berit Bangooura ◽  
Alexis Julian ◽  
Chad M Page ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Eimeria Species ◽  
Oocyst Excretion ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Acid Complex ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Zinc Concentrations ◽  
Eden Prairie ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract The objectives of this study were to identify the impacts of Zn concentrations in lamb grower pellet on lamb feedlot performance and natural coccidia infection in terms of fecal Eimeria oocyst excretion. Rambouillet lambs (n = 33; 43.9 ± 1.0 kg) were used in a 63 d feeding trial to assess the effect of a diet fortified with a combination of ZnSO4 (80%) and Zn amino acid complex (20%; ZnAA; Zinpro Corp.; Eden Prairie, MN, USA) at three different dietary Zn concentrations (treatment, TRT) which met or exceeded current recommendations. These levels included 1×NRC requirements (450 mg/kg grower pellet; 1NRC), 2×NRC requirements (900 mg/kg grower pellet; 2NRC), and 3×NRC requirements (1350 mg/kg grower pellet; 3NRC). Lamb performance characteristics, including body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (gain:feed, G:F), and residual feed intake (RFI), were quantified. Fecal samples were collected every 2 wk to assess coccidia infection status via fecal oocyst counts. Treatment × period (d 0–10, 11–42, 42–63) interactions were identified for DMI (P < 0.001). No main effect of TRT was identified for BW, ADG, G:F, or RFI (P > 0.36), but was for DMI (P = 0.02). Ten Eimeria species were detected and summed for total fecal oocyst count, but focus was on the most pathogenic species (E. ahsata, E. bakuensis, E. crandallis, and E. ovinoidalis). A statistical tendency for the interaction between TRT × day was detected for E. bakuensis and E. ovinoidalis (P ≤ 0.08). Transformed counts of E. bakuensis and E. crandallis were lower for 1NRC compared to 2NRC and 3NRC lambs (P < 0.05). Results indicate greater dietary Zn concentrations increased DMI and decreased Eimeria oocysts excreted.

scholarly journals Effects of a vitamin and mineral bolus on beef heifer feedlot performance, feeding behavior, carcass characteristics, and liver mineral concentrations1

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 876-882
Author(s):  
Kacie L McCarthy ◽  
Sarah R Underdahl ◽  
Carl R Dahlen
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feeding Period ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
The North ◽  
Mineral Concentrations

Abstract Crossbred beef heifers (n = 23; initial body weight [BW] = 370 ± 12 kg) housed at the North Dakota State University Beef Cattle Research Complex in Fargo, ND, were used to evaluate the effects of a 250-d slow-release vitamin and mineral bolus on feedlot performance, feeding behavior, carcass characteristics, and liver mineral concentrations. Heifers were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) received no supplemental mineral or vitamin (CON, n = 12) or 2) received two boluses on day 0 (minimum of 3,740 mg Ca, 16,456 mg Mg, 112 mg Na, 11,220 mg Cu, 2,995 mg I, 2,805 mg Mn, 505 mg Se, 48,620 mg Zn, 468 mg Co, 824,296 IU vitamin A, 173,102 IU vitamin D3, and 4,121 IU vitamin E bases on company analysis; Reloader 250 Mineral Bolus, Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, MN; MIN, n = 11). Heifers were fed a total mixed ration containing corn silage, grass hay, dried distillers grains with solubles, and dry-rolled corn (16.05% crude protein, 1.44 Mcal/kg NEg) with no added vitamin or mineral supplement. Feed intake and number and time of visits were recorded for each heifer using the Insentec feeding system (Hokofarm Group B.V., the Netherlands) during the feeding period. Liver biopsies were collected from heifers on days 0, 69, and 134 of the feeding period for analysis of mineral concentrations and analyzed as repeated measures. Heifers were slaughtered after 150 or 169 d on feed, and carcass characteristics were determined. Final BW, average daily gain, dry matter index, gain:feed, and carcass characteristics were not influenced (P > 0.19) by treatment. Control heifers visited feeders more but spent less time per visit and ate less per visit compared with MIN heifers (P < 0.03). No differences (P > 0.06) in liver mineral concentrations were observed between treatments, and concentrations of Se, Cu, Mo, Mn, and Co decreased (P < 0.05) over the feeding period. In this experiment, the slow-release vitamin and mineral bolus evaluated failed to increase liver mineral concentrations during the finishing period or influence heifer performance and carcass characteristics.

Temporal changes in growth enhancement by ractopamine in pigs: performance aspects

1993 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
RD Sainz ◽  
YS Kim ◽  
FR Dunshea ◽  
RG Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Growth Enhancement ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Large White ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Total Weight Gain ◽  
Over Time

Ractopamine is a phenethanolamine with G-adrenergic agonist activity which stimulates growth in pigs. In order to test whether the growth-enhancing properties of ractopamine change over time, 40 Large White crossbred gilts (47.0 kg liveweight) were assigned to five treatment groups: CON, control diet for 6 weeks; RAC, ractopamine(20 mg/kg feed) for 6 weeks; C/R, CON for 3 weeks, then RAC for 3 weeks; R/C, RAC for 3 weeks, then CON for 3 weeks; ALT, CON for weeks 1, 3, and 5, and RAC in weeks 2, 4 and 6. The control diet was a commercial wheat and soy-based grower ration (13 MJ DE/kg, 16% crude protein, 0.9% lysine, 0.6 g available lysine/MJ DE); all pigs were fed 2.25 kg/day. Weekly measurements included body weight and P2 backfat (by ultrasound). Due to uncertainty about the data from the final week, results for weeks 1 to 3 and 3 to 5 are presented. Average daily gain (ADG) was increased by RAC (+16%) during the first 3 weeks, with no further improvement thereafter. C/R produced higher ADG (+21%) during weeks 3 to 5 compared with controls, and ALT tended to do the same (+12%, P < 0.10). Over the 5 week period, total weight gain was increased (P > 0.05) by RAC (+18%) and ALT (+15%), and tended to increase with C/R (+12%, P < 0.10) with no significant effect of R/C (+l0%, P > 0.05). There were no differences among groups in P2 backfat during the feeding period ( P > 0.05). With the exception of dressing percentage, which was increased by RAC, C/R and ALT ( P < 0.05), carcass and meat quality characteristics (carcass weight, P2 backfat, loin eye area, pH, colour, drip loss and protein solubilities) were unaffected by any of the treatments (P > 0.05). In conclusion, ractopamine stimulated growth in finishing pigs on restricted intakes; this effect diminished over time, and was more pronounced in older and heavier pigs. In addition, meat quality characteristics were unaffected.

scholarly journals 113 Mineral Supplementation Effects in Stocker Cattle Performance Grazed on Wheat Seeded Native Pastures

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 47-48
Author(s):  
Kaylee R Kipp ◽  
Douglas Eborn ◽  
Megan P Owen
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Final Body Weight ◽  
Performance Technology ◽  
Southeast United States ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Mineral Supplementation ◽  
Stocker Cattle ◽  
Native Pastures ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Protein Block

Abstract One way to extend the grazing season in the southeast United States is to plant cool-season forages into native pastures to provide additional forages for the winter and spring grazing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different medicated (Monensin) supplementation types, with or without protein, on stocker calves grazing native pasture overseeded with wheat through the months of February to May. Cross-bred steers (n = 36; BW = 291.76 kg ± 29.92) and heifers (n = 29; BW = 288.17 kg ± 25.22), sired primarily by Hereford bulls, were assigned to two treatment groups at two locations blocked by sex and weight. All mineral supplementation was provided ad libitum. The first supplementation consisted of a commercial loose mineral (Advanced Mineral Performance Technology (AMPT); ADM; Quincy, Illinois), and the second was a commercial protein block (MoorMan’s, Mintrate Blonde Block RU; ADM; Quincy, IL) containing 42.0% Crude Protein. Average Daily Gain was compared using PROC MIX with the main effects: treatment, pasture, gender, and their interactions. The starting weights of the treatment groups were not different (P = 0.996). No significant interactions (P &lt; 0.05) were detected and only the main effects will be reported. Steers gained more (P &lt; 0.0001) than heifers (1.25 kg ± 0.025 kg vs. 0.96 kg ± 0.029 kg, respectively). ADG for the mineral was 1.14 kg ± 0.027 kg, compared to 1.06 kg ± 0.028 kg for the protein block (P &lt; 0.05). Differences in ADG was observed between pastures (P &lt; 0.07). At 124 days the final body weight of heifers averaged 119.56 kg and the steers averaged 154.70 kg. These results indicate that the mineral improved ADG over the block supplementation.

scholarly journals Nutritional Supplements Fortified with Oils from Canola, Flaxseed, Safflower and Rice Bran Enhance Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Australian Prime Lambs

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung V. Le ◽  
Quang V. Nguyen ◽  
Don V. Nguyen ◽  
Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli ◽  
Peter D. Nichols ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rice Bran ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Body Conformation ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
Dietary Oil

This study investigated live animal performance and carcass characteristics of Australian prime lambs fed oil based polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enriched pellets in a feedlot system. The tested hypothesis was that supplementation of lambs with a variety of dietary oil based PUFA enriched pellets would enhance growth and carcass characteristics compared with the control lambs on lucerne only. Seventy-two, 6 months old White Suffolk x Corriedale first-cross prime lambs with an average liveweight (LWT) of 35.7 &plusmn; 0.9 kg were allocated to six treatment groups in a completely randomised experimental design. The treatments were: (1) control: lucerne hay only; or lucerne hay plus wheat-based pellets infused with 50 ml/kg DM of oils from (2) rice bran (RBO); (3) canola (CO); (4) rumen protected (RPO); (5) flaxseed (FO) and (6) safflower (SO) dietary sources. All lambs had ad libitum access to lucerne hay and clean fresh water. Supplemented lambs were fed 1kg of pellet/head/day for 10 weeks. Feed intake, final LWT, average daily gain (ADG), body conformation and carcass characteristics of lambs in the supplemented groups were all greater than for the control group. SO lambs had the lowest ADG of 190.3 g/day. RBO and CO treatments had the lowest feed cost per unit gain of AU$ 3.0/kg. Supplemented lambs had similar over the hooks (OTH) incomes that were all higher than that of the control group. This empirical evidence-based data demonstrated that supplementation of lambs with RBO and CO had comparatively lower feed costs without compromising ADG, carcass characteristics and OTH income.

scholarly journals PSIV-13 Examining feedlot performance of Angus sired steers implanted with estradiol, trenbolone acetate, or a combined implant

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 278-279
Author(s):  
Caleb C Reichhardt ◽  
Tevan J Brady ◽  
Reganne K Briggs ◽  
Laura A Smith ◽  
Brett Bowman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Trenbolone Acetate ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Implant Treatment ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract The goal of this research was to examine feedlot performance of steers receiving implants with different hormone composition. Fifty Angus sired steers were initially blocked by weight and placed into one of four implant treatment groups: no implant (CON), estrogen (E2; Compudose; 25.7 mg estradiol; Elanco Animal Health; Greenfield, IN), androgen (TBA; Finaplix H; 200 mg trenbolone acetate; Merck Animal Health; Madison, NJ), and a combination of estrogen and androgen (ETBA; Revalor-S; 120 mg trenbolone acetate + 24 mg estradiol; Merck Animal Health). Steers were randomly placed into pens equipped with GrowSafe® bunks and fed the same ration. Steers were weighed and ultra-sounded on days 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112. Blood was collected on days 0, 2, 10, 28, 56, 84, and 112. Average daily gain (ADG), backfat (BF), and weights were collected. Data were analyzed with day as a repeated measure using the ProcMixed procedure to test the main effect of implant. Both treatment and day had effects on weight of the steers (P &lt; 0.05) indicating that steers receiving ETBA gained more (P &lt; 0.05) than the CON or E2 steers. Steers implanted with ETBA or TBA had an increased (P &lt; 0.05) ADG when compared to the CON steers. There was no effect (P &gt; 0.05) of treatment or treatment*day on BF; however, BF did increase (P &lt; 0.05) over time. The information gathered from this trial corroborates that implants are an effective tool to increase overall growth of angus sired steers in feedlots and that a combined implant results in increased weight gain when compared to an E2 only implant or non-implanted animals. Future work is going to examine the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms that improve growth of steers implanted with E2, TBA, or ETBA implants.

scholarly journals Efficacy of oral meloxicam as primary pain mitigation following caustic paste disbudding of three day old Holstein calves1

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle J Karlen ◽  
Faith S Baier ◽  
Sara L Odegard ◽  
Ruth M Baumann ◽  
Johann F Coetzee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance P ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Dairy Calves ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Mechanical Nociceptive Threshold ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Treatment Application ◽  
Over Time

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of perioperative administration of oral meloxicam prior to and following the application of caustic paste to disbud neonatal dairy calves. Sixty-one 3–4-d-old Holstein heifer calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups of 15–16 calves. The treatment groups were: 1) M1, caustic paste disbudding and oral meloxicam (45 mg) with a placebo 24 h later; 2) M2, treatment M1 followed by a second 45-mg dose of meloxicam 24 h later instead of placebo; 3) CONTROL, treatment M1 with placebo in place of meloxicam; and 4) SHAM, sham disbudding with placebo in place of meloxicam. Infrared thermography was used to quantify eye and horn bud temperatures. Pressure algometry was used to measure Mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) surrounding the horn bud. Average daily gain and body weight (BW) were obtained by weighing each animal throughout the study and calculating the changes over time. Plasma was collected and analyzed for cortisol and substance P concentrations. Substance P and cortisol decreased in all animals over time, regardless of treatment. Mean plasma substance P concentration across all time points was greater (P < 0.05) in the SHAM group than M1 or M2 but not different (P > 0.05) than the CONTROL group. The MNT and ocular temperatures decreased over time across all treatments (P < 0.05). Mean BW increased over time across all treatments (P < 0.05). A significant interaction (P < 0.05) between treatment and sampling time was observed at 12 h following treatment application for both mean horn bud temperature and the ratio between horn bud and ocular temperature. Overall, the results of this study suggest that meloxicam administration at a dose of 45 mg per animal may have limited influence as the primary modulator of pain and inflammatory response in calves that have been disbudded with caustic paste at 3 d of age.

Influence of a mineral supplement containing calcium, phosphorus and micronutrients on intake, digestibility, performance and mineral status of young Nellore bulls in a feedlot

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 277 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Zanetti ◽  
L. A. Godoi ◽  
M. M. Estrada ◽  
T. E. Engle ◽  
M. V. C. Pacheco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Mineral Status ◽  
Cu Content ◽  
Liver Copper ◽  
Mineral Supplementation ◽  
Calcium Phosphorus ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Mineral Concentrations

We measured nutrient intake and digestibility, performance and mineral status of young Nellore bulls fed three diets with and without supplementation comprising calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and micro-minerals during the growing and finishing phases. Five bulls were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to measure initial mineral status. Forty-two young Nellore bulls (initial bodyweight (mean ± s.d.) 270.4 ± 36.6 kg, age 8 months) were assigned for 125 days to one of six treatments: sugarcane as a roughage source plus a concentrate based on soybean meal and soybean hull with (SH100) and without (SH0) supplementation; sugarcane as a roughage source plus a concentrate based on soybean meal and ground maize with (SC100) and without (SC0) supplementation; and maize silage as a roughage source plus a concentrate based on soybean meal and maize with (CS100) and without (CS0) supplementation. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomised design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Nutrient intake and digestibility, bone and serum parameters related to Ca and P metabolism, and liver mineral concentrations were measured. Nutrient intake, digestibility and performance were not affected (P &gt; 0.10) by the mineral factor. Water intake was higher (P &lt; 0.05) with SH100 than with all other diets. Rib-bone breaking strength and density according to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were reduced (P &lt; 0.04) in the absence of supplementation. Metatarsus parameters were not affected (P &gt; 0.10). Liver copper (Cu) content was reduced (P &lt; 0.01) in diets without supplementation. In conclusion, the short-term absence of mineral supplementation did not influence intake and digestibility. However, depending on diet type, absence of Cu may reduce the hepatic Cu content, and a low Ca:P ratio may stimulate bone reabsorption without compromising performance. Therefore, under our conditions, mineral requirements are overestimated by nutritional systems.

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