This study explored the effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation for 42 days prior to transit and transit duration on performance, energetic demand, and feeding behavior of Angus-crossbred steers. Researchers provided a diet with and without supplemental Zn with half of each diet group assigned to either a short (8 h) or long (18 h) trucking duration. All groups received supplemented Zn diets post trucking. Zinc supplementation improved calf performance before and after trucking. Trucking duration increased energy demands and altered feeding behavior after transit; however, the effects were short-lived, returning to normal levels within 7 days post trucking. These findings suggest Zn supplementation before transportation in conjunction with other stress management practices has the potential to enhance performance of transported beef calves. While transit duration affects energetic demand and feeding behavior, cattle quickly recover, highlighting the resiliency of fit cattle to transportation.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.