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Minerals

The fifth of the six nutrients is minerals. Minerals are the inorganic compounds in feeds. Chemically, all minerals are simple elements such as calcium and selenium. Minerals are the component remaining following complete combustion of the organic materials such as the CHO, protein, fat, etc.

The primary functions of minerals can be divided into two categories. The first category is structural function. Minerals are an essential for structural components such as bone. The second category is the broad category of their role in biochemical reactions. Minerals function in a range of identified biochemical reactions such maintenance of osmotic and acid-base balance and facilitation of enzymatic reactions. In addition to the identified biochemical reactions, there are numerous biochemical functions not identified.

Minerals present in feeds are digested to their simple ionic forms. In the small intestine, minerals are absorbed via active or passive absorption and are transported throughout the body via the circulatory system. Mineral absorption efficiency is influenced by a number of factors including: mineral form, relative concentrations of dietary minerals, specific other dietary minerals, the presence of dietary lipids, and physiological factors of the animal such as age. It is important to consider the factors influencing absorption efficiency, as these factors have the potential to have a significant impact on the amount of mineral available to the animal.

Dietary minerals are classified into two categories based on their concentration in the body and therefore dietary requirement. Dietary requirement is directly related to the concentration in the body. In addition to the dietary minerals listed below, there are many other minerals present in the animal’s body.

Macrominerals are the minerals present at greater than 100 ppm. One ppm is equal to one milligram per kilogram. One hundred ppm is equivilent to 0.01%. Table 2.2 lists the macrominerals and their abbreviations.

Table 2.2 - Macrominerals & Abbreviations
Macromineral Abbreviation
Calcium Ca
Chlorine Cl
Magnesium Mg
Phosphorus P
Potassium K
Sodium Na
Sulfur S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microminerals, often referred to as trace minerals, are the minerals present at less than 100 ppm. Table 2.3 lists the microminerals of importance in animal nutrition.

Table 2.3 - Microminerals & Abbreviations
Micromineral Abbreviation
Chromium Cr
Cobalt Co
Copper Cu
Fluorine F
Iron Fe
Iodine I
Manganese Mn
Molybdenum Mo
Nickel Ni
Selenium Se
Silicon Si
Zinc Z

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Individual mineral requirements will vary between species and within a species based on physiological state. Mineral mixes specifically formulated based on animal requirement and mineral source are either added to the diet or offered free-choice. As subclinical deficiencies and toxicities are more of an issue than clinical deficiencies and toxicities, it is important to match mineral requirement and mineral available for absorption.

 

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