Reproduction and trace minerals

摘要

Twenty-one inorganic minerals are essential in animal nutrition. Of these 21 minerals, seven are required in reasonably large quantities and are known as the macro minerals. The other 14 minerals are required in very small quantities and are known asthe micro or trace minerals. All 14 minerals are required by the animal and are therefore, of nutritional significance. However, animal nutritionists tend to concentrate on six of these trace minerals, as it has been found that deficiencies of these minerals can occur in practice. This group include zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se) and iodine (I). These trace minerals play an important role in optimal growth, production and reproduction and general health.