1. Livestock Mineral Requirements

2. Why do livestock need minerals?

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

4. A deficiency in a mineral may lead to a livestock disease

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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.

12. 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.