The Importance of Minerals (Iron)

Micro Minerals Iron 1. Functions a. Hemoglobin formation b. Oxidation of nutrients in cells 2. Deficiency symptom—Anemia 3. a. b. c. Sources Grains Forages Trace-mineralized salt with iron Micro Minerals Manganese 1. a. b. c. d. e. Functions Utilization of phosphorus Assimilation of iron Reduction of nitrates Amino acid and cholesterol metabolism Synthesis of fatty acids 2. a. c. e. g. h. j. Deficiency symptoms Swollen and stiff joints b. Abnormal bone development Sterility d. Delayed estrus Reduced ovulation f. Abortion Deformed, weak or dead offspring Appetite loss, slow gain i. Rough hair coat Pinkeye Micro Minerals Manganese 3. a. b. Sources Trace-mineralized salt Most rations are sufficient 1. Functions Micro Minerals Copper a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Hemoglobin formation Activate some enzyme systems Hair development and pigmentation Wool growth Bone development Reproduction Lactation a. c. e. g. h. Severe diarrhea b. Swelling of joints d. Weakness at birth f. Lack of muscle coordination Sudden death 2. Deficiency symptoms Slow growth (caused by anemia) Bone abnormalities Breathing difficulty Micro Minerals Copper 3. Sources—Most livestock feeds have more than needed 4. a. b. Toxicity Levels—Above 50 ppm Symptoms—Anemia, jaundice Micro Minerals 1. a. b. d. f. 2. a. b. c. e. f. 3. Zinc Functions Normal development of skin, hair, wool, bones and eyes Prevent parakeratosis c. Promote healing Enzyme systems e. Protein synthesis Metabolism g. Insulin Deficiency symptoms Parakeratosis (rough, thick skin in swine) Thick skin on neck, muzzle, back of ears (cattle) Slow wound healing d. Poor appetite, slow growth Swelled hocks and knees, stiff gait Inflammation of nose and mouth tissues Source—Trace-mineralized salt Micro Minerals 1. a. (1) (2) (3) b. 2. 3. a. c. e. g. Molybdenum Functions Enzyme xanthine oxidase Milk Body tissues Uric acid (poultry) Stimulates rumen organisms Source—Most normal rations are adequate Toxicity Diarrhea b. Poor growth Loss of hair color d. Bleached mucous membranes Lameness f. Joint abnormalities Osteoporosis h. Death Micro Minerals Selenium 1. Functions a. b. Vitamin E absorption Part of enzyme glutathione peroxidase a. b. c. d. White muscle disease Retained placenta in ruminants Low fertility in ruminants Diarrhea a. b. c. Selenium injections Roughages Mixed into ration (not authorized by FDA for all animals) 2. Deficiency symptoms 3. Sources Micro Minerals Selenium 4. a. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Toxicity Acute–Intake of accumulator plants over short period Labored breathing Abnormal movement and posture Prostration Diarrhea Death b. Chronic—Blind staggers—intake of limited amount of accumulator plants over a longer period of time (1) Impaired vision (2) Wandering (3) Stumbling (4) Death Micro Minerals Selenium Chronic alkali disease--Intake of grains or grasses with more than 5 mg selenium/K over a long period (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Liver cirrhosis Lameness Hoof malformations Hair loss Emaciation Micro Minerals 1. a. b. 2. a. b. c. d. e. f. 3. Cobalt Functions Synthesis of vitamin B12 Rumen bacteria growth Deficiency symptoms Poor appetite/general malnutrition Weakness Anemia Slow growth Decreased fertility Lower wool and milk production Sources- supplement Micro Minerals Iodine 1. Function--Thyroxine production 2. a. b. c. d. Deficiency symptoms Goiter Weak or dead offspring Offspring born without hair Infected navels at birth 3. Sources a. Iodized salt b. Ration supplement 1. a. b. 2. 3. a. b. 4. a. c. e. f. Micro Minerals Fluorine Functions Prevent cavities Slow down osteoporosis Deficiency- is rare; supplementing the ration is not recommended Sources Water Forages Toxicity (an accumulative poison) Tooth enamel loss b. Uneven, excessive wearing of teeth Bones--thick, soft, weak d. Lameness Poor appetite, poor gains, weight loss Rough hair coat g. Lowered milk production