Research has shown that vitamin E in receiving diets can improve gain and sometimes reduce sickness in stressed cattle. Levels of vitamin E fed have generally been from 300 to 400 IU per head per day. In a Texas study, an excellent response in daily gain during receiving was obtained with 100 IU vitamin E and 0.1 ppm of added selenium. Remember that selenium is low in many Arkansas forages and locally grown calves may need added selenium.
Copper, zinc and selenium all play roles in the immune response and should be included at proper levels in diets of stressed calves. However, there is much debate about just what constitutes optimal levels. Overfeeding of trace minerals seldom is beneficial and can cause toxicity, especially with some sources of copper and selenium. A good recommendation is to provide the upper end of the recommended levels from ingredients with good bioavailability. Feed ingredients like alfalfa and wheat middlings are, themselves, good sources on many trace minerals.
All receiving rations should contain a coccidiostat. The incidence and implications of subclinical coccidiosis during receiving are well known. Further, coccidiosis seems to play a role in the immune response, although whether directly or indirectly is not known.
Using these recommendations should help in designing a nutritional program for stressed cattle. The goals are to reduce sickness and provide sufficient weight gain that prepares the cattle for profitable performance when turned out to the grazing program.
Source: Arkansas Ag Extension