Role of Trace Minerals in Animal Production and Reproduction

Abstract

Productive and reproductive efficiency of animal is the most important factor for success of dairy farm. Minerals play very precious role in maintaining productive and reproductive health of a dairy herd. Trace elements, though required in little quantities (less than 100 mg/kg dry matter) have critical roles in key interrelated systems of immune function, oxidative metabolism and energy metabolism in ruminants which are directly or indirectly involved in growth, production and reproduction. Deficiencies in trace minerals can lead to deficits in any of these processes, as well as reductions in growth performance. Most animal diets are supplemented with inorganic and/or organic forms of trace minerals. Inorganic trace minerals (ITM) form bulk of trace mineral supplementation, but these forms of minerals are well known to be prone to dietary antagonisms. Feeding high-quality chelated trace minerals or other classes of organic trace minerals can provide animal with more bioavailable forms of minerals.