Common Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in Utah

Many minerals and vitamins have been proven in research studies to be essential for optimal growth, physiologic function, and productivity in animals. Data from the analytical section of the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory would indicate significant incidences of vitamin and mineral deficiencies in Utah. There has been an increase in recent years that appears to be associated with producers decreasing or completely stopping the practice of vitamin-mineral supplementation. Based on interaction with producers they attribute some of this to high fuel, hay, and other production factors in which has resulted in searches for ways to cut input costs. A common finding with many of the diagnosed deficiencies is a lack of vitamin-mineral supplementation either long term or due to cost cutting.