Dr. Roshani Patil, Dr. Madhu Swamy, Dr. Yamini Verma, Dr. Amita Dubey and Dr. Maneesh Jatav
For livestock to function as a whole, mineral nutrition is essential. Mineral Apart from energy and protein play an important role in the metabolic functions of livestock. These functions support growth, development, production, immune function and reproductive performance. They are also essential for the support of several enzymatic systems. A borderline deficiency of a mineral needs to be supplemented to support the homeostatic state of the animal during all phases of life. Bioavailability plays an essential role in mineral significance.
Livestock may react negatively or not perform as expected if their mineral balance is out of balance. Mineral deficiencies can result from low quality feed, impaired absorption or assimilation in the body or increased demand for minerals during intensive growth, pregnancy and lactation. Mineral-deficient feed and diets with an unbalanced mineral content impair the growth and development of young animals, decrease appetite, lower nutrient absorption, decrease immunity and increase susceptibility to contagious diseases.
The term Essential Mineral is used in reference to a mineral that has been proven to have a metabolic role in the animal body. Twenty-two elements have been identified as essential to the growth and health of animals. They include 7 macro elements and 15 microelements.
Minerals are classified into macro and micro minerals according to their quantitative requirement. Major macro minerals of structural and functional importance are calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chlorine (CI). Trace minerals or micro minerals in the animal body are cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iodine (1), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and chromium (Cr).
Mineral Requirement (in ppm) for Cattle.
| Minerals | Lactating cow | Dry cow | Growing calf |
| Ca | 0.31 | 0.18 | 0.58 |
| P | 0.21 | 0.16 | 0.26 |
| Mg | 0.10 | 0.12 | 0.20 |
| Na | 0.07 | 0.07 | 0,10 |
| K | 0.60 | 0.60 | 0.70 |
| S | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Co | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Cu | 10.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| Iodine | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 |
| Fe | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 |
| Mn | 20.0 | 40.0 | 40.0 |
| Se | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Zn | 30.0 | 30.0 | 30.0 |
| PROBLEMS RELATED TO MINERAL DEFICIENCY | POSSIBLE MINERAL DEFICIENCY |
| Paralytic Problems Milk Fever Downer Milk Fever Grass Tetany Knuckling fetlock Weak Hind leg Nerve Loss Ataxia | Phos Ratio: Vit. D, inorganic sulphate The above plus magnesium Magnesium Selenium, Copper Copper Cooper |
| Breeding Problems Retained Placentas, metritis Lack of oestrus Tailless sperm in semen Lack of libido | Copper, zinc, selenium Copper, zinc, selenium Selenium Copper, molybdenum |
| Hoof Problems Hoof Rot Abnormal hoof growth Soft hoof growth Swollen Fetlocks Laminitis Hairy wart resistance | Copper, iodine Cooper Copper Copper High rumen acid upsets copper absorption Copper (nutrition), formaldehyde (foot bath) |
| Metabolic Problems High somatic cell count Ketosis Pneumonia Head abnormalities Anaemia Retarded Growth Sudden Death OB-Favor Mik High culling rate Fat Cow Syndrome Hair off colour, no bloom Tongue lolling | Copper, zinc, selenium Copper, inorganic sulphate, Copper, zinc, selenium, Cooper, selenium, magnesium iron, copper, cobalt Copper, molybdenum Copper, selenium, nitrate High iron (feed or water or water, vitamin E) Poor mineral nutrition program Copper, inorganic sulphate Copper, selenium Copper |
| Intestinal problems Acidosis Low butterfat test Undigested feed in manure Scouring Worm resistance Low production Abnormal appetite | Sodium bicarbonate Sodium bicarbonate Copper, cobalt Copper, molybdenum Copper, molybdenum Copper zinc manganese inorganic sulphate Copper cobalt |