Animal Nutrition: Mineral and Vitamin Requirements

Mineral and Vitamin Requirements in Animal's Diet

Macrominerals

• Calcium (Ca): essential for preventing Milk Fever
• Phosphorus (P): crucial for animal health
• Potassium (K): important for overall health
• Sodium (Na): necessary for maintaining fluid balance
• Chlorine (Cl): essential for maintaining fluid balance
• Magnesium (Mg): prevents Grass Tetany
• Sulfur (S): important for skin and coat health

Microminerals (Trace Elements)

• Iron (Fe): essential for healthy red blood cells
• Iodine (I): prevents goiter and other thyroid problems
• Copper (Cu): essential for preventing Infertility in cows and lambs born with swayback
• Cobalt (Co): prevents Pine Disease in Sheep (failure to thrive, poor appetite)
• Manganese (Mn): essential for bone growth and development
• Molybdenum (Mo): important for nitrogen metabolism
• Selenium (Se): prevents Infertility and supports immune function
• Zinc (Zn): essential for immune function and skin health

Supplementing Microminerals in Animals

• Methods of supplementation:
  • Dusting mineral supplements onto silage (e.g., Cal Mag)
  • Providing mineral licks
  • Dressing the pasture
  • Adding to drinking water
  • Oral dose or mineral bullet (large pill – provides a constant supply of micronutrients to cattle or sheep)

Vitamins

• Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K
• Water-soluble vitamins: B and C
• Note: Cattle can synthesize Vitamin C.