PDS: Liver Biopsy to Assess Micromineral Levels in Cattle
| Project start date: | 23 January 2026 |
| Project end date: | 16 January 2030 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | Southern Australia, Northern Australia, Western Australia, Mediterranean |
| Site location: | Western Australia: Merivale, Condingup, Jerdacuttup, Esperance, & Myrup |
Summary
Producers across the Esperance region of WA face an ongoing challenge in managing micromineral deficiencies (a well‑known issue in the region’s extensive sandplain soils). Copper, cobalt and selenium deficits are common, and producers regularly invest in supplementation options without clarity on whether products are working, whether stock are being over‑ or under‑supplemented, or how these decisions translate to productivity and animal health. Several producers have even experienced stock losses linked to over‑supplementation, highlighting both the financial and animal welfare risks associated with guesswork.
This Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) will help producers move from uncertainty to confidence by showcasing liver biopsy as a safe, accurate, veterinarian‑led diagnostic tool for assessing true micromineral reserves – something blood tests alone cannot reliably capture. Through a collaboration between ASHEEP & BEEF and Swans Veterinary Services, the project will establish 10 on‑farm demonstration sites where liver biopsy results will be compared
Objectives
By May 2029, in the Esperance region of south east Western Australia, the project will establish 10 demonstration sites from 10 core producers catering to a minimum of 100 observer producers (including those enrolled as core) to:
- Demonstrate the safety, utility, and interpretive value of liver biopsy as compared to blood testing to measure the micromineral status for Copper, Cobalt, and Selenium within groups of heifers prior to mating.
- Compare the cost of varying supplementation practices and how they correlate with measurable micromineral levels, updated annually.
- Develop a cost benefit analysis based on the total potential cost of the process of micromineral analysis via liver biopsy as a percentage of the cost of supplementation for each individual site, updated annually.
- Implement a series of communication and training development activities including on farm demonstrations to increase the knowledge, skills, and confidence of at least 80% of core and observer producers to implement liver biopsying, conducted by their veterinarian, to measure and address micromineral status and deficiencies when appropriate.
- Increase the adoption of engaging a veterinarian to conduct liver biopsy as a diagnostic tool amongst Esperance producers by improving the recognition of liver biopsy results as preferential to blood testing results to assess micromineral status within groups of animals, as evidenced by at least 80% of core producers and 60% of observer producers indicating intention to continue using liver biopsy post-project.
- The results of the PDS will have been disseminated with targeted extension activities, including via field days, case studies, articles and digital content, to facilitate adoption in line with a communications plan.
Future research
Contact the PDS facilitator:
Enoch Bergman
Sarah Brown
