Conditions conducive to the occurrence of trace element deficiencies and the different methods of identifying such deficiencies were discussed. Available information on the trace element nutritional status of grazers in the eastern regions of the Free State and Mpumalanga was evaluated. The evidence suggested that grazing animals in these regions tend to have a marginal deficiency in selenium, and a marginal copper deficiency is likely to occur in certain areas. It was recommended that grazers in these regions should benefit from the supplemetation of selenium and copper.