Total dissolved solids in water high in naturally occurring sulfates impacts serum and liver copper and selenium concentrations but does not affect the growth of beef heifers

This study evaluated whether water with high total dissolved solids (TDS) containing naturally occurring sulfates impacts feed and water intake, growth, and serum and liver minerals in crossbred Angus heifers (n = 48). Heifers were stratified by body weight into 12 pens and randomly assigned (n = 4 pens/treatment) to water with low (980 mg L-1), moderate (5,190 mg L-1), or high (9,720 mg L-1) TDS, resulting in sulfate concentrations of 350, 2,970, and 5,770 mg L-1. Body weight, average daily gain, dry matter and water intake, and the gain:feed ratio were not affected (P≥0.11) during the 100-d study. Serum Se increased (P<0.01) on d 50, 75, and 100 when heifers were provided water with high and moderate compared to low TDS water. High and moderate rather than low TDS water also reduced (P≤0.01) serum Cu and Mo. Liver Cu was reduced (P<0.01) by moderate and high TDS water, while liver Se was only reduced (P=0.01) by high TDS water. Providing high TDS water with sulfate concentration ≥2,970 mg L-1 can be used without impairing growth, but it may compromise Cu and Se reserves. Thus, mineral status should be monitored when cattle consume sulfate-rich water.