Mineral concentrations in soil extracts, forages, and blood sera of cattle grazing on reclaimed uranium-mined land in southeastern Wyoming

The Pathfinder Uranium Mine which is located in southeastern Wyoming, was actively mined during the 1960's-1980's. Reclamation involved returning the spoil/overburden and replacing the salvaged topsoil. The area was revegetated in 1974-1977, but was not grazed until 1980-85. A grazing experiment was then conducted to determine solubility of mineral elements in soil, uptake by plants and absorption by grazing animals. Blood sera were collected at 28-30 day intervals during the three grazing/growing seasons in 1980-1982. Blood sera samples were frozen and later analyzed by ICP. When compared to published data, plants on the reclaimed site contained lower concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, P, and Zn; but higher concentrations of Cd, Cr and Ni than plants on adjacent undisturbed sites. When compared to expected blood sera data, animals grazing on the reclaimed site had lower concentrations of B. Ca, Cu, Mg, and Na; but higher concentrations of Cr and Fe than would be expected for most grazing animals. Livestock producers are advised to provide supplements of Ca, Mg, Mn, P, and Zn to minimize deficiency of these elements in livestock nutrition when grazing these reclaimed lands