Cattle can tolerate high-molybdenum forage grown on reclaimed mine tailings: A review
Dates
Year
2010
Citation
Steinke, D.R., and Majak, W., 2010, Cattle can tolerate high-molybdenum forage grown on reclaimed mine tailings: A review: International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, v. 24, iss. 3, p. 255-266.
Summary
Revegetation and cattle production are major objectives in the reclamation plan for mine tailings at the Highland Valley Copper mine in Canada. Residual molybdenum (Mo) in the tailings is imbibed by vegetation and forages accumulate up to 400 ppm Mo at the Highmont tailings pond. Grazing studies with cattle determined the feasibility of utilising the site for livestock production and published results are reviewed. Clinical evaluations (1999?2001) revealed signs of lameness, diarrhoea and hair coat depigmentation in cows but they recovered without treatment. Supplement trials (2002 ? 2004) demonstrated the efficacy of copper (Cu) sulphate for the alleviation of clinical disorders. Dietary Mo was rapidly eliminated from the gastrointestinal [...]
Summary
Revegetation and cattle production are major objectives in the reclamation plan for mine tailings at the Highland Valley Copper mine in Canada. Residual molybdenum (Mo) in the tailings is imbibed by vegetation and forages accumulate up to 400 ppm Mo at the Highmont tailings pond. Grazing studies with cattle determined the feasibility of utilising the site for livestock production and published results are reviewed. Clinical evaluations (1999?2001) revealed signs of lameness, diarrhoea and hair coat depigmentation in cows but they recovered without treatment. Supplement trials (2002 ? 2004) demonstrated the efficacy of copper (Cu) sulphate for the alleviation of clinical disorders. Dietary Mo was rapidly eliminated from the gastrointestinal tract and from muscle and fat tissues. Forages at the site imbibed molybdate but endogenous chelation reduced the toxic effect of the ion. Cu sulphate supplementation alleviated clinical signs, which permitted forage utilisation and sustainable cattle production at Highmont.