Injectable trace-mineral supplementation improves sperm motility and morphology of young beef bulls

Trace Mineral Nutrition of Grazing Beef Cattle

“…Indeed, it is not surprising to conclude that trace mineral status of the cow or heifer at the time of injectable trace mineral administration would impact subsequent performance responses, such as reproduction. In a large study involving 799 heifers [69], injectable trace minerals were administered (or not) at the start of a 14-day timed-AI protocol. Freechoice, trace mineral-fortified supplement was provided to both treatment groups.…”

Role of trace minerals in bull reproductive physiology and semen quality

“…54 However, 2 doses of injectable trace minerals at 7 months (1 ml/54 kg) and 10 months of age (1 ml/68 kg) resulted in mild increases in sperm motility 2 months after second injection. 55 Injectable trace minerals did not improve the percentage of bulls classified as satisfactory breeders, scrotal circumference, or sperm morphology, but sperm motility was slightly higher during the second BSE at 12 months of age in trace mineral-treated bulls (42%) compared to control bulls (40%). 55 Of the bulls classified as nonsatisfactory breeders during the first BSE at 10 months of age, there was a tendency (p = 0.1) for a higher percentage of bulls to be reclassified as satisfactory breeders 2 months later when treated with trace minerals (98%) compared to control bulls (94%).…”

“…55 Injectable trace minerals did not improve the percentage of bulls classified as satisfactory breeders, scrotal circumference, or sperm morphology, but sperm motility was slightly higher during the second BSE at 12 months of age in trace mineral-treated bulls (42%) compared to control bulls (40%). 55 Of the bulls classified as nonsatisfactory breeders during the first BSE at 10 months of age, there was a tendency (p = 0.1) for a higher percentage of bulls to be reclassified as satisfactory breeders 2 months later when treated with trace minerals (98%) compared to control bulls (94%). 55 Mature trace mineral-depleted bulls benefited from supplementation with Cu (83.3 ppm), Zn (233.3 ppm), and Mg (300 ppm) sulfate or chloride for 71 days.…”

“…55 Of the bulls classified as nonsatisfactory breeders during the first BSE at 10 months of age, there was a tendency (p = 0.1) for a higher percentage of bulls to be reclassified as satisfactory breeders 2 months later when treated with trace minerals (98%) compared to control bulls (94%). 55 Mature trace mineral-depleted bulls benefited from supplementation with Cu (83.3 ppm), Zn (233.3 ppm), and Mg (300 ppm) sulfate or chloride for 71 days. 53 Although scrotal circumference and sperm morphology did not differ from bulls fed a trace mineral-deficient control diet, sperm motility and concentration were higher in trace mineral-supplemented bulls.…”

“…Trace mineral mixes supplementation were used in beef bull calves in an attempt to hasten puberty and to improve reproductive parameters in peripubertal animals. [48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55] Trace mineral-depleted 9-month old calves were fed a supplement containing various concentrations of complexed or sulfated Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co for 100 days. 52 Trace minerals supplementation did not improve scrotal circumference, sperm motility, morphology, or concentration.…”