A study was conducted evaluating the effect of long-term Cu deficiency, with or without high Mn, on growth, gene expression and Cu status of beef cattle. Twenty-one Angus calves were born to cows receiving one of the following treatments: (1) 10 mg supplemental Cu/kg DM (+Cu); (2) no supplemental Cu and 2 mg Mo/kg DM ( − Cu); (3) − Cu diet plus 500 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM ( − Cu+Mn). Calves were weaned at approximately 183 d of age and individually fed throughout the growing and finishing phases. Plasma Cu was lower (P < 0·01) in − Cu calves compared with +Cu calves while high dietary Mn further depressed (P < 0·01) plasma Cu in − Cu+Mn calves v. − Cu calves. Liver Cu concentrations in +Cu calves were greater (P < 0·01) than in − Cu calves, with no differences between − Cu and − Cu+Mn calves. The daily body-weight gain of +Cu calves was greater (P < 0·01) than − Cu calves during the period from birth to weaning, but did not differ during the growing phase. − Cu+Mn calves gained less (P < 0·05) than − Cu calves during the growing phase. DM intake was lower (P < 0·01) in − Cu+Mn calves v. − Cu calves, and did not differ among +Cu and − Cu calves. The relative gene expression of cytochrome c oxidase in the liver was lower (P < 0·05) in − Cu calves compared with +Cu or − Cu+Mn calves. In conclusion, feeding a Cu − deficient diet in combination with high Mn negatively affected the growth and Cu status of beef cattle.

Complex inter-relationships exist between certain micronutrients, immune function and disease resistance in cattle. Several micronutrients have been shown to influence immune responses. The relationship between deficiencies of some micronutrients and disease resistance is less clear. A number of studies have indicated that Cr supplementation may improve cell-mediated and humoral immune response as well as resistance to respiratory infections in stressed cattle. With respiratory-disease challenge models Cr generally does not affect disease resistance. Deficiencies of Cu, Se, vitamin E and Co in cattle reduce the ability of isolated neutrophils to kill yeast and/or bacteria. Cu deficiency reduces antibody production, but cell-mediated immunity is generally not altered. However, Cu deficiency appears to reduce production of interferon and tumour necrosis factor by mononuclear cells. Numerous studies have linked low vitamin E and/or Se status to increased susceptibility of dairy cows to intramammary infections. In contrast to findings in laboratory animals, marginal Zn deficiency does not appear to impair antibody production or lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogen stimulation in ruminants. Co deficiency has been associated with reduced resistance to parasitic infections. It is well documented that vitamin A-deficient animals are more susceptible to various types of infections. β-Carotene, possibly via its antioxidant properties, may affect immune function and disease resistance independent of its role as a precursor of vitamin A.