Web banner BW - Farm and Environment

Trace element deficiencies

Trace elements are natural minerals required in very small amounts by the body for various metabolic processes. Typically they are not stored well in the body, so need to be constantly ingested in tiny amounts. If the body is deficient, the metabolic processes will be adversely affected. 

Copper is the main trace element where deficiency is likely to be an issue in deer. Cobalt, iodine and selenium deficiencies also occur but are much less common.

How do the problems occur?
Specific causes and symptoms
Diagnosis
Merits of trace element supplementation
Preventing deficiencies

More resources

Information on Copper is available in a convenient DINZ Deer Fact sheet (October 2016). Download your own copy here >>

 

Back to Major issues