Cows that were randomly assigned to the treatment group were given three
injections of trace minerals (Multimin) at approximately 230 days of gestation,
260 days of gestation, and 35 days postpartum; each injection (5 mL) contained
300 mg of zinc, 50 mg of manganese, 25 mg of selenium, and 75 mg of copper. Ethylenediamine
tetra-acetate (Na2EDTA) was used to dissolve insoluble Cu, Mn and Zn
at a concentration of 450 mg/mL; 0.1% chlorocresol was added to the solution as a
preservative. Control cows were not injected with a negative placebo. Body condition
scores (BCS) were assessed at 230 days of gestation and at 35 ± 3 days in milk
(DIM). A 5-point scale was used (Edmonson et al., 1989). Assessors were blinded to
treatment status.