What Happens to a Cow When They Don't Get Enough Salt?

Cows are often seen licking a large block called a salt lick or a mineral lick. These blocks are not completely made of salt, but are used to supplement the cows nutrition and maintain optimal health. While a salt lick is not absolutely needed for every cow, it is a way for farmers to make sure their cattle are healthy and developing correctly. If cows are lacking in certain minerals they can develop deficiencies which lead to health problems.

  1. Selenium Deficiency

    • One common mineral found in mineral licks is selenium. Selenium works to protect tissues from metabolic damage and enhances the immune system. A selenium deficiency often leads to a syndrome known as white muscle disease and can prove fatal to young cattle. A lack in selenium is also attributed to infertility in cows. Other diseases include cystic ovaries, late embryo death and retained fetal membrane.

    Iodine Deficiency

    • Iodine is another mineral essential to the health of cattle. Iodine deficiency leads to reduced thyroid function which in young calves results in weakness and fatalities. The calf may be born healthy, but is unable to make the transition from healthy in the womb to a strong breathing calf. Lack of iodine also causes late term abortion and stillborns.

    Cobalt Deficiency

    • Also known as pine, cobalt deficiency effects young calves more often than adult cattle. Pine results in lack of appetite, illthrift and anemia. While adult cows are more resistant to the deficiency, it may produce less viable offspring, making the mineral essential.

    Copper Deficiency

    • Copper deficiency is most easily seen in young cattle as a reduction in pigmentation or "spectacling" in dark coated calves. Copper deficiency may cause diarrhea and thickening of the joints. In extreme cases, it can cause infertility and sudden death. However, over-supplementing cattle with copper through salt licks can cause copper poisoning which can also be fatal.