Livestock Mineral Requirements

Why do livestock need minerals?

Minerals are essential inorganic nutrients required in small amounts Minerals are necessary for growth, maintenance, reproduction and lactation

A deficiency in a mineral may lead to a livestock disease

Macro minerals Minerals required in larger amounts For example, minerals that cattle require in amounts > 1 gram

Macro minerals required by livestock K – potassium Mg – magnesium Na – sodium S- sulfur P- phosphorus Ca - calcium

Micro minerals Minerals required in small amounts For example, minerals that cattle require in amounts < 1 gram

Micro minerals required by livestock Cu – copper Fe – iron Mn – manganese Zn – zinc Co – cobalt I – iodine Se - selenium

Livestock primarily get minerals from the feed they eat The plants consumed by livestock get minerals from the soil in which they grow

Selenium Deficiency The lambs show typical symptoms of selenium deficiency – lameness and weak muscles.

Calcium, phosphorus and/or vitamin D Deficiency A deficiency in calcium, phosphorus and/or vitamin D may cause rickets. Rickets is a condition in young animals such as lambs where the bones fail to harden correctly.

Copper Deficiency The rabbits are littermates. The top rabbit was fed a normal diet. The other rabbit was fed a diet deficient in copper. Copper deficiency symptoms include a pale coat, weak bones and ill-health.