Utilising Liver Biopsy Techniques to Assess Key Micromineral Levels in Cattle

2026 - 2029

Project Facilitator: Dr Enoch Bergman

Lead Producer: Erica Ayres

ASHEEP & BEEF Coordinator: Sarah Brown

Updated 08/04/26

Utilising Liver Biopsy Techniques to Assess Key Micromineral Levels in Cattle is a 4 year project, run by ASHEEP & BEEF in collaboration with Swans Veterinary Services and local producers, and funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) through the Producer Demonstration Site program. 

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The project aims to demonstrate that liver biopsies, conducted by a veterinarian, can safely provide accurate micro mineral status results which producers can then use to monitor, identify and implement optimal supplementation practices on individual cattle farms.​

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Background

The sand plain of the Esperance region is renowned for being depleted of microminerals, similar to large areas of Western Australia, South Australia, and some parts of Victoria. Most producers within the Esperance area employ some form of micromineral supplementation utilising a wide range of products and delivery methods. The membership of ASHEEP & BEEF, both sheep and beef producers, have expressed frustration at their inability to discern the value and efficacy of varying micromineral supplementation products and methods of administration. Producers report being unsure whether they are using the right products at the right time and whether they are over or under supplementing their livestock. 

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Inappropriate supplementation equates to a wasted investment and could lead to compromised productivity, profitability and/or animal welfare outcomes. There is opportunity to increase producer confidence and adoption of practices that will improve production outcomes. 

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Paramount to assessing the suitability of different supplementation practices is accurate measurement of individual animal micromineral levels. Historically, blood samples collected into lithium heparin tubes has been utilised, however, it is known that the results can fail to adequately describe micromineral reserves within sampled animals, only providing a snapshot of levels circulating within the circulatory system and unable to assess stored reserves. Liver tissue analysis is considered the gold standard for assessing micromineral status in ruminants, especially for copper status. Historically, no animals within the Esperance area have been tested for micromineral status from liver biopsy material, other than from post mortem samples. The practice is an established tool in other Australian beef and sheep production regions.

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The project will create an opportunity to familiarise producers with the veterinary technique of collecting liver biopsy samples from live animals as well as its utility and safety. This will allow the PDS to demonstrate the process, compare the liver biopsy results with blood sample results, and compare the measured outcomes against the management practices implemented on individual farms.

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Project 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:

1. 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.

2. Compare the cost of varying supplementation practices and how they correlate with measurable micromineral levels, updated annually.

3. Develop a simple 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. PDS learnings extended in a way that familiarises sheep producers with liver biopsy as a tool and learnings used to develop a protocol for a potential future sheep-focused project.

There are opportunities throughout the project for producers to attend workshops, tours and field days. 

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This project has animal ethics approval via the Department of Primary Industry & Regional Development Animal Ethics Committee.