Mineral Imbalance

Introduction

Minerals are essential for all animals and influence the efficiency of livestock production. Five percent of the bodyweight of an animal consists of minerals.

Causes of Mineral Imbalance

Farming practices can determine the presence or absence of specific mineral nutrients in animal feed. Heavy applications of nitrogen fertilizer can reduce the copper, cobalt, molybdenum, and manganese content of the pasture. Lime may reduce plant copper, cobalt, zinc and manganese levels but increase the molybdenum content.

Cattle sometimes deteriorate in spite of an abundant feed supply. Mineral imbalances (deficiencies or excesses) in soils and pastures may be responsible for low production and reproductive problems among grazing animals in the tropics. Mineral deficiencies in grazing animals are associated with specific regions and are directly related to soil characteristics. Plants grown on tropical soils have been shown to be highly deficient in a number of major and trace minerals needed by grazing animals. Thus, it is necessary to provide these elements as dietary supplements to promote effecient and profitable livestock production in warm climatic regions.

In tropical regions marked leaching and weathering of soils under conditions of heavy rainfall and high temperatures make the deficient in plant minerals.

Increasing crop yields remove minerals from the soil at a faster rate so deficiencies are frequently found on the most progressive farms.

Even though a diet may contain adequate amounts of particular nutrients, other factors decrease the absorpotion of that nutrient, thus reducing the value of the dietary suppy. Excess phosphate reduces calcium absorption. Excess calcium reduces the absorption of iodine. Many other examples exist of antagonisms between elements.

Signs of Mineral Imbalance

Wasting diseases.
Loss of hair, depigmented hair and skin disorders.
Non-infectious abortion.
Diarrhea.
Loss of appetite or depraved appetite.
Bone abnormalities.
Tetany.
Low fertility.

Mineral Requirements

At least 15 mineral elements have been identified as nutritionally essential for ruminants. There are 7 major minerals - Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Magesium and Sulphur and 8 trace minerals - Cobolt, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium and Zinc.

Mineral requirements depend on the level of productivity. For example, the minimum zinc requirements for spermatogenesis and testicular development in male sheep are higher than for growth. Manganese requirements are similarly lower for growth than for fertility in sheep.

Improved management practices that lead to improved milk production and growth rates for ruminants will necessitate more attention to mineral nutrition. Levels of mineral deficiencies that are small under low levels of production become more severe with increased levels of production, and previously unsuspected nutritional deficiency signs usually occur as production levels increase.

Specific mineral imbalances are associated with specific soil types.

Important differences in mineral metabolism are the result of breed and adaptation. It is not unusual for cattle introduced into an area to show deficiency signs while the indigenous breeds which are slow-growing and late-maturing do not exhibit the deficiencies to the same degree. The cattle which are new to the region and have not adapted may sweat profusely and lose saliva and mucous from the mouth, thus losing significant quantities of minerals, particularly in the arid tropics.

Since tropical plant foods contain less minerals during the dry season, it is logical to assume that grazing livestock would most likely suffer mineral inadequacies during this time. However it has been found that mineral deficiencies are more common during the wet season. During the wet season livestock gain weight rapidly and there is thus a greatly increased requirement for these elements by the grazing animal. During the dry season, inadequate protein and energy results in animals losing weight which lowers mineral requirements.

Incidence of Mineral Deficiencies and Toxicities

The mineral elements most likely to be lacking under tropical conditions are Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Copper, Cobalt, Iodine, Selenium and Zinc. In some regions, under specific conditions, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron and Manganese may be deficient and excesses of Fluorine, Molybdenum and Selenium and extremely detrimental.

Diagnosis of Mineral Deficiencies and Imbalance

Mineral nutrition disorders range from severe mineral deficiencies or toxicities characterized by well-marked clinical signs and obvious signs of disease to mild and temporary conditions difficult to diagnose and expressed as a vague ill health or unsatisfactory growth and production. The mild conditions assume great importance because they occur over large areas and affect a large number of animals in addition to the fact that they can be confused with the effects of energy and/or protein deficiencies and various types of parasite infestation.

Clinical signs of mineral deficiencies, pathological and biochemical examinations, along with mineral analyses of soil, water, plant and animal tissues and fluids have all been used, with varying degrees of success to establish mineral deficiencies and excesses, but the most reliable method of confirming mineral deficiencies is in the response from specific mineral supplementation.
Blood mineral data must always be viewed with caution. Bone and liver tissue are much more reliable.
Common salt, because it tastes good, is a valuable 'carrier' for other minerals. Mineral supplements should be available 'free choice' and offered in rain-proof boxes. Consumption is often 10% less when provided in block versus loose form.
Properly forumulated supplements are of benefit to livestock only if they are available at all times ina fresh, dry form and presented in suitably constructed feeder boxes, accessible by all members of the herd or flock.
A 'complete' mineral mixture should contain salt, a Fluorine-Phosphate source, Calcium, Cobalt, Copper, Iodine, Manganese, and Zinc, Selenium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sulphur, Iron or additional elements can be incorporated into a mineral supplement as new information suggests a need.
Information printed on the tag attached to the bag of mineral supplement is sometimes incorrect or expressed in a way that makes it difficult for the farmer to know what is being purchased and if it is adequate for the purpose intended. Seek expert advice in case of doubt.

Calcium and Phosphorus

In cattle the most common mineral deficiency is lack of Phosphorus. In most livestock grazing areas of tropical countries, soils and plants are low in Phosphorus.

These elements have a vital function in almost all tissues in the body and must be available to livestock in the proper quantaties and ratio.

99% of the Calcium and 80% of the Phosphorus in the entire body are found in the bones and teeth.
Calcium is essential for skeletal formation, normal blood clotting, neuromuscular excitability, enzyme activation and permeability of membranes.
Phosphorus is essential for proper functioning of rumen micro-organisms, especially those which digest plant cellulose, utilization of energy from feeds, buffering of blood and other fluids, many enzyme systems and protein metabolism.-

Requirement
A dietary Calcium: Phosphorus ration between 1:1 and 2:1 is assumed to be ideal for growth and bone formation as this is approximately the ratio of the two minerals in bone. If there are excessive amounts of Calcium and Phosphorus in the diet, the availability of certain trace elements may be decreased.

Symptoms
Deficiency signs of borderline Calcium and Phosphorus deficiencies are not easily distinguishable from other deficiencies.

An inadequate intake of Calcium may cause:

Weakened bones.
Slow growth.
Low milk production.
Convulsions in severe deficiencies.

Signs of Phosphorus deficiency are not easily recognized except in severe cases, when the following can be seen:

Fragile bones.
General weakness.
Emaciation.
Stiffness.
Reduced milk production, and
Chewing of wood, rocks, bones and other objects (Note that abnormal chewing of objects may also occur with other dietary deficiencies).

Severe Phosphorus deficiency results in sub-normal growth and reproduction and a depraved appetite or "pica", as illustrated by bone chewing, which may lead to botulism.

Cattle suffering extreme Phosphorus shortage may go for two to three years without producing a calf, or even coming into heat. In Phosphorus deficient areas, if a calf is produced, cows may not come into regular heat until the body phosphorus levels are restored.

Due to limitations of serum Calcium and Phosphorus as an indicator of status, an analysis of the ration and bone composition and breaking strength are the best ways of assessing a deficiency of Calcium and Phosphorus.

Prevention and Control

Calcium and Phosphorus deficiencies can be prevented or overcome by direct treatment of the animals through supplementation, in the diet or water supply, or indirectly by appropriate fertilizer treatment of the soils on which the pasture to be consumed are grown.
In intensively farmed areas Phosphate applications designed primarily to increase pasture yields also increase Phosphorus concentrations.
The easiest and cheapest procedure is to provide a phosphatic mineral supplement in troughs or boxes protected from the rain. Good sources of mineral Phosphate are Dicalcium Phosphate or Superphosphate.

Magnesium

Magnesium is abundant in most common feedstuffs. It is widely distributed among plant and animal tissues with some 70% of body Magnesium present in the skeleton. Magnesium is important for neuromuscular activity.

Requirement
The dietary Magnesium requirements of livestock depends on the species and breed, age, and rate of growth or production. The general requirements for maintenance are 3 mg/kg bodyweight for maintenance and 120 mg/kg milk.

Symptoms
Hypomagnesemic Tetany, when violent convulsive episodes occur, is caused by a reduction in the concentration of Magnesium in the cerebro-spinal fluid, leading to hyperexcitability, muscular spasms, convulsions, respiratory distress, collapse and death. The disorder occurs after a decrease in plasm Magnesium concentration when absorption of dietary Magnesium is unable to meet the requirements fro maintenance.

The condition is not common in the tropics, being a disease of colder climates, associated with cold, wet, windy weather, little sunshine and no access to shelter or to supplementary feed. Failure to eat during bad weather may be a factor and cold weather stress may increase urinary excretion of Magnesium.

The condition is also associated with lush pastures heavily fertilized with potash and nitrogen which interfere with the absorption of dietary Magnesium.

In the most acute form, affected cows, which may appear to be grazing normally, suddenly throw up their heads, bellow, gallop in a blind frenzy, fall and exhibit severe convulsions. Death may occur within half an hour. Animals may be found dead but an indication that teh animal has had convulsions before death may be deduced from the marks on the ground.

Treatment
Slow intravenous in jection of Magnesium salts or a combination or a solution containing both Magnesium and Calcium is generally effective, but treatment must be given quickly to prevent death.

Prevention and Control

Magnesium fertilizers, such as calcined magnesite, can significantly increase pasture concentrations.
Foliar dusting of pastures at regular intervals is another method of delivering Magnesium to pastures.
Daily oral supplements of 60g for cattle or 10g for sheep may be given during the danger period.
For calves and cows being fed concentrates, provision of 50g Magnesium Oxide in 300-400g of concentrate mixture is adequate. Incorporating it into mineral mixes, drenches, molasses-based free choice supplements or sprinkling the mineral onto feed such as grains, chopped roots or silage, are satisfactory means of supplementation.

Potassium

Potassium is essential for life and is required for a variety of body functions. Excitement and stress tends to increase urinary loss of Potassium and diseases with fever or diarrhea further increase Potassium loss.

Symptoms
Potassium deficiency results in non-specific signs such as:

Slow growth.
Reduced feed and water intake.
Lowered feed efficiency.
Muscular weakness.
Nervous disorders.
Stiffness and emaciation.

Prevention and Control
Young plants generally contain adequate amounts of Potassium but during an extend dry season deficiencies may occur. Supplemental Potassium salts may be added when grazing dry range pastures and when urea is substituted for plant proteins.

Sodium and Chlorine (Salt)

Sodium and Chlorine are essential for proper water metabolism, nutrient uptake and transmission of nerve impulses.

Requirement
The need for Sodium and Chlorine by livestock has been demonstrated for thousands of years by a natural craving for common salt. Sodium is the critical nutrient in salt. Giving livestock salt in the diet at a level of 0.5% is adequate for all farm species.

Symptoms

The intial sign of Sodium and Chlorine deficiency is a craving for salt. Deficient animals will like wood, soil and sweat from other animals and drinking water.
A prolonged deficiency causes loss of appetite, decreased growth, unhealthy appearance, reduced milk production and loss of weight.
Livestock depreived of salt may be so anxious to get it that they may injure themselves in attempting to reach salt.

Sodium deficiency is most likely to occur:

During lactation, due to secretion of Sodium in milk.
In rapidly growing animals.
Under tropical or hot semi-arid conditions when large losses of water and Sodium occur in sweat and where pastures are low in Sodium.
In animals grazing pasture heavily fertilized with Potassium, which depresses plant Sodium levels.

Even after prolonged severe deficiency salt levels secreted in milk remains high. Thus, lactating animals suffer most from lack of salt in the diet.

Prevention
Tropical plant feeds normally do not contain sufficient quantities of Sodium to meet the requirement of grazing livestock throughout the year. This inadequacy is easily overcome by providing salt mixes, usually containing added Iodine and Cobalt. Most animals can tolerate large quantities of dietary salt when an adequate supply of water is available. However when animals are deprived of salt for a period of time, re-introduce it slowly and with care. Sudden re-introduction can result in severe diarrhoea and in some cases,, violent nervous symptoms due to swelling of the brain.

Cobalt - "Nakurtis"

Cobalt is required by micro-organisms in the animal's stomach in order to make Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper energy utilization.

Causes
Primary Cobalt deficiency occurs on soils which are deficient in Cobalt. Land which is extremely deficient in cobalt is unsuitable for raising ruminants and where it is somewhat deficient low growth and production may make rearing sheep and cattle unprofitable.

A wasting disease of ruminants, known locally as 'Nakuruitis' because it occurs near the township of Nakuru, is caused by cobalt deficiency. Cattle in poor conditions, dosed with cobalt pellets over a seven month period, gained almost 200 lb more than those that were not given cobalt.

The deficiency occurs only in grazing animals and primary cobalt deficiency occurs only where soils are deficient in cobalt. Heavy liming may reduce the amount of cobalt in the soil.

Most severe deficiencies occur when animals graze on lush pastures because they have a lower cobalt content than more slowly growing plants.

Symptoms of Deficiency

Animals on Cobalt deficient pastures gradually lose appetite, and failure of growth or loss of weight is followed by extreme loss of appetite, rapid muscular wasting, depraved appetite, severe anaemia and death.
If the deficiency is mild or marginal the above signs may not occur and only the young most susceptable animals may exhibit signs of weaness, indistinguishable from those caused by parasitism or low feed intake.
Mild forms of Cobalt deficiency in grazing ruminants are difficult to diagnose as the only signs may be a state of weakness and no anaemia. As a result the only sure way of establishing that a Cobalt deficiency is present is by observing and measuring the response to the oral administration of Cobalt or Vitamin B12 injections in terms of increased appetite and weight gain.

Treatment
Affected animals respond to oral dosing with Cobalt or intramuscular injections of Vitamin B12.

Prevention and Control
This is best done by top-dressing affected pastures with Cobalt salts. At the same time cobalt should be included in the supplemented mineral mixture at a rate of 0.1 mg Cobalt daily for sheep and 0.3 to 1.0 mg Cobalt daily for cattle.

In extensive range grazing the use of heavy Cobalt pellets of Cobalt Oxide is the preferred method. The pellet is in teh form of a bolus - 5g for sheep and 20g for cattle - which, when given by mouth, lodges in the reticulum and gives off Cobalt in very small but adequate amounts.

Copper and Molybdenum

Copper is essential in haemoglobin production, the functioning of enzyme systems, as a component of various body pigments and is involved in the central nervous system, bone metabolism and heart function.

Copper is interrelated with other dietary factors including Molybdenum, Sulphur, Zinc, protein Iron and other trace elements. These interactions are important to understand and recognize when considering dietary Copper requirements.

An excess of Molybdenum in the diet will interfere with the uptake of Copper. Selenium has the efffect of increasing the uptake of Copper in sheep.

Requirement
Copper requirements of ruminant animals are powerfully influenced by interactions with other dietary components, especially Molybdenum and Sulphur. Ideal conditions are those in which all the dietary factors affecting Copper absorption and utilization in the animal are at optimal levels.

Deficiency
With the exception of Phosphorus, deficiency of Copper is the most severe mineral deficiency to grazing livestock in the tropics. Deficiencies in ruminants occur mainly under grazing conditions. Most deficiencies are 'conditioned' deficiencies i.e. normal amounts of Copper are inadequate due to higher than normal amounts of other elemnts such as Molybdenum and Sulphur and other factors whih block the utilization of Copper by the body.

Clinical signs of Copper deficiency include:

Scours.
Pale mucous membranes.
Rough and bleached hair.
Slow growth and loss of body weight.
Bones may break easily and affected cattle may move like a pacing horse rather than like normal cattle.
Copper-deficient cattle may die suddenly when exerted.
PM lesions may reveal small lesions on the heart.

Determination of the amount of Copper in the diet or the pasture has limited diagnostic value and can be seriously misleading unless other elements with which Copper interacts, particularly Molybdenum and Sulphur are determined as well.

The main criteria for Copper deficiency is the concentration in the liver.

Prevention and Control
Under range conditions, deficiency can be prevented by the provision of Copper containing supplements, by dosing or drenching the animals at intervals with Copper compounds, or by injection of organic complexes of Copper.

Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of some safe and slowly absorbed forms of Copper is a satisfactory means of treating animals in Copper deficient areas where the Molybdenum contents of the pasture are moderate.

The application of Copper containing fertilizers can be an effective means of raising the Copper content of pasture to levels adequate for grazing livestock and increasing pasture yields. 5-7 kg/hectare of Copper Sulphate is usually sufficient for three or four years.

Other Deficiencies

Iodine
A deficiency of iodine causes endemic goitre, but this has greatly declined in most countries due to the widespread use of iodised salt.

Iron and Manganese
Iron deficiency rarely occurs in adult livestock and supplementation with Iron and Manganese is much less important than for other trace minerals. Most tropical soils are acid, resulting in animal plant feeds having levels generally in excess of requirements. In addition, soil consumption will provide substantial quantities of these minerals to grazing livestock diets, particularly Iron.

Selenium
Symptoms due to Selenium deficiency are uncommon in the tropics. Nutritional muscular dystrophy or white muscle disease affects young, rapidly growing calves, lambs and foals, born from dams which have been fed on diets low in Selenium and Vitamin E for long periods, usually during the winter months and in temperate regions.

When such animals are turned out after winter housing or they begin unaccustomed exercise, they may collapse, be unable to walk, or die suddenly.

One condition that affects animals even in the tropics is retained afterbirth in mature dairy cows, which may be caused by Selenium/Vitamin E deficiency.

Zinc
Zinc deficiency causes a chronic, dry, scaly, cracked skin, non-inflammatory in nature and although well recognized in Europe is uncommon in the tropics.

Toxic Elements

The most important of these is Fluorine.

In limited amounts Flourine strengthens teeth and bones. In excessive amounts it causes damage.

Chronic fluorosis is generally seen under three conditions:

1. Continuous consumption of high Fluorine mineral supplements.
2. Drinking water high in Fluorine and
3. Grazing on contaminated feeds close to industrial plants which emit toxic levels of fumes and dust.

Normally plant feeds are not involved in Fluorosis as they have a limited capacity to absorb this element.

In many parts of Kenya borehole water is excessively high in Fluorine.

Toxicity of Fluorine in livestock depends on teh amount and duration of ingestion, age of the animal, nutrition, stress factors and individual animal differences.

If animals are young the teeth may become modified in shape, size and colour.
The incisors may become pitted, and the molars may show cavaties due to facture or wear.
The jaw and long bones develop exostoses and joints may become thickened causing the animal to become stiff and lame.

To prevent flurosis:

Determine the Fluorine content of water and of supplemental phosphates, whish may contain unacceptably high levels of the element.
Observation of animals to detect early signs of fluorosis.
If water levels are high, you can use filters or add fresh slaked lime to the water.
Watering young stock on fluorine free supplies of water and permitting only adults to drink dangerous supplies and rotating between safe and dangerous water every three months may make it possible to utilize otherwise unsuitable land.