British Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium

Effects of feeding high molybdenum hay to mature beef steers Quinton, Dee A.; Mir, Zahiruddin; Mir, Priya S.; Saunders, H.; van Ryswyk, A. L.; Munro, K.

Abstract

A 3X3 latin square design experiment was used to study the effects of feeding high molybdenum (Mo) hay, from Highland Valley Copper, to three cannulated Hereford steers. Supplement treatments were; no supplement, copper oxide needles (CuOn) and copper oxide bolus. Feed intakes, mineral content of feed, dry matter and nutrient digestibilities, supplement disappearance from the rumen and copper (Cu) concentrations in the blood were monitored. Hay from Highland Valley Copper was high Cu (19.09 ppm), high Mo (49.68 ppm) feed. Severe cases of molybdenosis were expected but did not develop in cattle. Feeding harvested sun-cured high Mo forage lessens the hazard of molybdenosis. The Cu supplements had little or no effect on dry matter or nutrient digestibilities nor on rumen metabolism. Cu concentrations in the blood were increased. Research grazing fresh forage is required before making conclusive recommendations for using mine waste dumps and tailings ponds for forage production.

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