Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the micromineral status of cattle in three producing regions of Guatemala and to compare animal classes, pregnant/lactating cows and growing steers. Soil, forage, blood and liver samples were collected at four, four and six farms within the Northeast, Central and Southwest regions, respectively, in both rainy and dry seasons. Cu deficiency, as evidenced by low concentrations of this element in serum, liver and forages, was particularly prevalent in the Northeast region with a total of 94-100% of serum, liver and forage samples in the Northeast indicating deficiency; but soil Cu concentrations were classified as normal. Se deficiency, as evidenced by low forage and tissue levels, was found for the Central and Southwest regions with adequate to excess concentrations for the Northeast. Although not of great magnitude, some tissue concentration differences (P < 0.05) were found between animal classes, with lactating animals higher. On the basis of the analyses, appropriate mineral supplements can be formulated. Nutrients most likely to be deficient for each region and therefore should be supplemented are: Northeast, severe Cu, aggravated in some instances by excess Mo; Central, Cu, Mn and Se; Southwest, Mn and Se.
