Mineral Nutrition
Minerals support a wide range of biological functions including bone development, enzyme activity, reproduction, immune response and metabolic regulation. Deficiency or imbalance can reduce performance long before a visible clinical sign appears.
A useful mineral program considers the animal, production stage, forage and concentrate contribution, water quality and the rest of the ration. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and trace minerals should be considered as part of a balanced system rather than as isolated ingredients.
What to focus on
The practical objective is to supply the right mineral profile consistently and monitor performance indicators. Where feed ingredients vary, periodic review of formulation and laboratory information can help maintain a stable nutritional program.