Trace Element Deficiencies in Sheep: Welfare and Prevention

Trace element deficiencies cause a range of welfare problems in sheep. This guide covers the key elements and welfare-centred supplementation approaches.

Key Facts

Copper, cobalt, selenium, and iodine are the most important trace elements for sheep
Deficiencies cause conditions including swayback, pine, white muscle disease, and goitre
UK soils are highly variable in trace element content requiring farm-specific assessment
Oversupplementation with copper causes toxicity — accurate dosing is critical
Blood and liver testing confirms deficiency before supplementation
Slow-release boluses provide consistent supplementation across the grazing season

Welfare Considerations and Management

Welfare-centred trace element management requires soil and animal testing to confirm deficiencies before supplementation. Copper deficiency causes swayback (enzootic ataxia) in lambs, pine (cobalt), white muscle disease (selenium), and goitre (iodine). Treatment of deficient animals and prevention through supplementation reduces welfare impacts. Oversupplementation, particularly copper in breeds with higher copper sensitivity, causes serious toxicity. A vet or nutritionist should design supplementation programmes.

What You Can Do

Test soil and blood before implementing any trace element supplementation
Work with your vet to design breed-appropriate copper supplementation programmes
Use slow-release boluses for consistent supplementation across the grazing season
Monitor for signs of toxicity as well as deficiency in supplemented flocks