Trace Minerals
Trace minerals are those that are required by stock in very small amounts; nevertheless, are critically important to many metabolic functions, immunity and enzymatic functions within the body. Their occurrence in forages can vary according to availability in soils and are not highly bioavailable. There are nine trace minerals considered essential for dairy stock, both growing and lactating animals.
Iron
All forages contain sufficient iron and deficiency in livestock is unlikely. Drinking water can also contain high levels of iron. Testing of forages frequently indicates contamination with soil. The ‘ash’ value on a feed test is usually iron dominant and can be antagonistic to absorption of other minerals, and reduce feed conversion.
Copper
Copper plays a necessary role in disease resistance and essential constituent of blood. Forages tend to be very low in copper and supplementation is required.
Zinc
Again, forages frequently are low in zinc. Zinc is an aid to immune function and hoof health. It is essential to the formation of keratin, a fibrous protein found in hair, hooves and the protective layer of the udder wall. Supplementation of zinc is essential.
Manganese
Although forages can contain manganese, levels can be variable and supplementation is recommended. Manganese has a role in immunity, reproduction and digestion.
Selenium
Selenium is the only trace mineral that has a fine line between adequate supplementation and toxicity. Forages vary in selenium content and care needs to be taken with supplementation. Selenium deficiency contributes to white muscle disease, but in conjunction with vitamin E, supports immune function. Toxicity is often linked to neurological disorders and blindness.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum levels vary widely in forages, but most common in alkaline soils. Molybdenum will antagonise copper absorption. Supplementation is not recommended.
Cobalt
Greater interest has developed in recent years on supplementation of cobalt to bolster vitamin B12 production in the rumen. B12 is a precursor propionic acid and then glucose. B12 is also necessary for red blood cells, hormones, proteins and fatty acids. Supplementation is essential.
Chromium
Forages usually contain sufficient chromium and supplementation is not necessary.
Iodine
Iodine is required for production of thyroid hormones that regulate energy metabolism. Forages are extremely variable in iodine and supplementation is required.
While understanding of the function of essential trace minerals is incomplete, there is consensus on trace minerals being critical to health, immunity, enzyme synthesis, metabolic functions such as muscle and bone development, digestion, reproduction and milk production.
Dairytech Loose-Lick minerals are a rain repellent self-feed mineral mix containing all essential trace minerals plus macro minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, sulphur and salt, vitamins A, D3 & E for both growing young stock and dry cows.
