What are trace minerals and why are they important?
Copper, selenium, manganese, zinc, and cobalt are among the most important trace minerals in livestock. However they are amongst the most common mineral deficiencies in cattle in Australia1,2. Supplementation is an important part of any animal health management plan to manage these trace minerals for optimum health and performance.
Trace minerals are essential to body function, but are only required in very small amounts per day. These minerals may make up only a small portion of an animal's diet but play an important role in everyday life, especially for the key functions of growth, reproduction and immune defence. Present in the soil to varying degrees, trace minerals are taken up by plants and then absorbed by livestock when consumed.
Vitamin B12 is important for energy production in ruminants. Normally cobalt is taken up through the diet and converted to B12 by rumen micro-organisms. If cobalt levels are low in pasture, B12 levels can fall and this can limit energy available for body processes.
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Has a role in:
The metabolism of iron
Bone development
Maintenance of connective tissue
Blood formation
Disease resistance
Reproduction / fertility and retention of placenta
Has a role in:
Protein metabolism
Disease resistance
Bone, cartilage and connective tissue development
Reproduction / fertility, ovulation, sperm development and embryo survival
Has a role in:
Cell growth & wound healing
Skin and hair & hoof growth
Lung function
Bone and cartilage development
Disease resistance
Reproduction / fertility, sperm development, udder function and retention of placenta
Has a role in:
Is an anti-oxidant
Disease resistance
Muscle function
Reproduction / fertility, sperm development embryo survival and retention of placenta
Has a role in:
B12 is vital for energy production and protein synthesis in ruminants
Which is essential to meet the demands of growth and lactation