Minerals are chemical elements which form important component of animal feed ingredients. They are essential for cows to remain healthy and for the body to function properly, for the development and maintenance of strong bones and for successful reproduction and production of milk and eggs.
Minerals are required in small amounts but are important components of the ration. Micro (Trace) minerals are only needed in small quantities- per million, some of these are chromium, fluoride (toothpaste), iodine, magnesium, selenium, zinc, cobalt, and copper which could be the route of all evil because if ingested in excessive amounts it could lead to copper poisoning and pigs commonly suffer from this if they have too much in their diets (BSAVA, 2011). Macro minerals maintain structural integrity, acid-base balance, transmembrane activity- the typical cellular function, muscle contraction and nerve conduction (Sandie Agar, 2001). sodium, potassium, sulphur and chloride). For example horses sweat and lose a lot of body salts therefore, after uncontrolled work they are given electrolytes typically in water (e.g. Macro (Major) minerals are required in greater amounts as they usually include calcium, phosphorus, electrolytes, magnesium and is involved in nerve functions. The different categories of minerals are:–
