Cobalt in feed - Research data

110 samples of complementary feed were collected in different Italian regions and analysed between 2018 and 2022. Samples were n = 37 complementary feeds for dairy cows, n = 27 complementary feed for bulls/steers, n = 26 complementary feed for calves and n = 20 complementary feed for which no specific category of cattle for which they are intended is indicated (hereinafter referred to as “cattle”).
The mean values for the different feed types were cattle – 0.26 mg kg-1, bulls/steers – 0.40 mg kg-1, dairy cows – 0.27 mg kg-1 and calves – 0.25 mg kg-1.
The analysis of cobalt levels in ruminant feed revealed significant differences in supplementation in the examined animal categories. Bulls and steers feed exhibited the highest cobalt levels, with some samples elevated concentrations (up to 1.7 mg kg-1) compared to other categories (for which the highest concentration was 0.9 mg kg-1). Conversely, dairy cows displayed more homogeneous and generally lower cobalt levels, suggesting greater uniformity in the feed intended for this category.
The feed intended for bulls may contain higher levels of cobalt, compared to other feeds, to ensure adequate amounts of cobalt to prevent consequences associated with cobalt or vitamin B12 deficiency.