Symptoms of typical mineral deficiencies in livestock
- 4 Sep 2019
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Mineral Deficiency Guide
Mineral deficiencies in livestock can result in a host of issues which can cause poor health, fertility and performance. If your livestock are experiencing any of the symptoms below, this could be related to a mineral deficiency within their diet. This article below can provide a basic guide to mineral supplementation for livestock feed intake.
What symptoms are your livestock demonstrating?
Poor bone growth and rickets in young stock
Mineral Needed: Calcium (Ca)
Possible Calcium deficiency
Function: For growth and maintenance of bones and teeth. Bones act as a reserve.
Poor bone growth and decreased appetite in extreme cases
Mineral Needed: Phosphorus (P)
Function: Needed with calcium in bones. Present in soft tissues and body fluids
Nervousness
Mineral Needed: Magnesium (Mg)
Possible Magnesium deficiency
Function: Essential for enzyme systems and metabolism as well as bone structure
Reduced appetite and stunted growth
Mineral Needed: Sodium (Na)
Function: Needed in blood and other body fluids. Stimulates saliva to maintain appetite
Anaemia
Mineral Needed: Iron (Fe)
Possible Iron deficiency
Function: Iron is needed for a high haemoglobin level for proper oxygen transport and endurance
Poor health and performance from lack of Vitamin B12
Mineral Needed: Cobalt (Co)
Possible Cobalt deficiency
Function: Cobalt is needed to make Vitamin B12 in the gut
Anaemia and poor growth
Mineral Needed: Copper (Cu)
Possible Copper deficiency
Function: Involved in enzyme systems
Reproductive problems
Mineral Needed: Iodine (I)
Function: Needed for thyroid which controls basic metabolism
Reduced conception rates
Mineral Needed: Manganese (Mn)
Function: Needed for enzymes and bone formation
Unthriftiness and white muscle disease in foals or muscles tying up
Mineral Needed: Selenium (Se)
Possible Selenium deficiency
Function: Affects muscle development
Poor condition of skin, hair and hooves
Mineral Needed: Zinc (Zn)
Possibly Zinc deficient
Function: Used in enzyme systems throughout the body
The above is intended as a basic guide only. If you are in any doubt about the health of your animals, you should consult a veterinary surgeon.
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