TLDR;
This video provides a detailed overview of essential minerals for animal health, focusing on their functions, deficiency symptoms, and sources. It covers both macro and micro minerals, emphasizing the importance of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. The discussion includes the roles of these minerals in enzyme function, bone formation, acid-base balance, and overall metabolic processes.
- Importance of minerals for animal health
- Functions of macro and micro minerals
- Deficiency symptoms and sources of key minerals
Introduction to Minerals [0:00]
The video begins by introducing the topic of minerals and their importance for animal health and normal bodily functions. It mentions that minerals are needed in small amounts but are crucial for various processes. Historically, 13 minerals were considered essential until 1950, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur, and magnesium (needed in larger quantities), as well as iron, iodine, copper, manganese, zinc, and cobalt (needed in smaller quantities). By 2014, molybdenum, selenium, chromium, and chloride were added. Currently, around 40 minerals are considered necessary for animal health.
Role of Minerals in Enzyme Function [2:08]
The discussion highlights the role of minerals in enzyme function. For example, iron is present in succinate dehydrogenase and cytochromes (A, B, C), which are involved in the electron transport chain for energy production (ATP synthesis). Copper is found in cytochrome oxidase, and ceruloplasmin is used in iron absorption. Zinc is important for enzymes like carbonic anhydrase (involved in carbon dioxide formation), alcohol dehydrogenase, carboxypeptidase (for protein digestion), and alkaline phosphatase. Manganese is needed for pyruvate carboxylase and superoxide dismutase, while molybdenum is required for xanthine dehydrogenase and sulfide oxidase. Selenium is essential for glutathione peroxidase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide and hydroperoxides, and for the conversion of thioredoxin to its active form.
Minerals and Body Composition [4:15]
The video explains how minerals contribute to the body's structure, particularly in bones and teeth, which require calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Minerals like sodium, potassium, and chlorine are essential for maintaining acid-base balance in the body. A deficiency in these minerals can disrupt this balance.
Calcium: Importance, Deficiency, and Sources [5:08]
Calcium is highlighted as the most important mineral in the body, with 99% of it stored in the skeleton for bone and teeth formation. The blood plasma of mammals contains 80 to 120 mg/L of calcium, while laying hens require 300 to 400 mg/L. Bone composition includes 46% minerals, 36% protein, and 18% fat. Calcium and phosphorus combine to form hydroxyapatite. Bone ash contains approximately 36% calcium, 17% phosphorus, and 0.8% magnesium. Calcium is crucial during lactation and egg production. Deficiencies can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone aid in calcium absorption.
Calcium Deficiency Diseases [9:12]
Calcium deficiency in children can cause rickets, leading to bone deformities. In adult animals, it results in osteomalacia, characterized by soft bones and difficulty in walking. In chickens, calcium deficiency leads to soft eggshells, reduced growth, and leg deformities. Milk fever in cows occurs due to calcium depletion during lactation, causing muscle spasms and paralysis. High-yielding dairy cows are particularly susceptible, often leading to leg fractures. Calcium-rich foods are essential for both animals and humans, especially high-producing animals.
Sources of Calcium [13:08]
Sources of calcium vary for humans, animals, and poultry. For humans, good sources include milk, green leafy vegetables, legumes, and small fish consumed with bones. Dairy products like cheese and yogurt are also excellent sources. For animals, sources include green vegetables, legumes, sugar beet pulp, and calcium supplements like limestone, steamed bone flour, and dicalcium phosphate (DCP). Oyster shells and eggshells (containing about 38-40% calcium carbonate) are also good sources.
Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio [16:05]
Maintaining the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio is crucial for mineral absorption and bone formation. The ideal ratio is approximately 2:1. An imbalance can hinder the effectiveness of both minerals.
Phosphorus: Importance, Deficiency, and Sources [16:53]
Phosphorus is second to calcium in importance. It works with calcium in bone formation and is essential for forming phospholipids and nucleic acids. Phosphorus plays a vital role in energy production through ATP. Deficiency can lead to weakness, osteomalacia, and pica (consumption of non-food items). Infertility and irregular estrous cycles can also result from phosphorus deficiency.
Phosphorus Deficiency Symptoms and Sources [19:18]
In humans, phosphorus deficiency can cause weak bones and teeth, fatigue, and reproductive issues. It affects both sperm and ovum production, leading to infertility and incomplete fetal development. Sources of phosphorus include milk, cereal grains, and fishmeal.
Phytic Acid and Phosphorus Absorption [21:46]
Phytic acid in grains can inhibit phosphorus absorption, especially in poultry. Supplementing poultry feed with phytase enzyme helps break down phytic acid, improving phosphorus availability. For ruminants, green grass provides glycolipids and phospholipids, which are essential for phosphorus intake and reproductive health.
Potassium: Importance, Deficiency, and Sources [23:38]
Potassium, along with sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate, is crucial for maintaining acid-base balance. While potassium deficiency is not commonly discussed in animal nutrition, it is significant for human health. Deficiency can lead to increased blood pressure and impaired acid-base balance. In poultry, deficiency may cause muscle tremors and paralysis. Sources of potassium include bananas, star fruit, grapes, and coconut water. However, individuals with kidney problems should avoid high-potassium foods.
Sodium: Importance, Deficiency, and Sources [26:32]
Sodium is essential for regulating body fluids, nerve and muscle function, and nutrient absorption. Sodium deficiency is less common than excess, especially in certain regions. Deficiency in poultry can cause feather pecking. Salt licks are used to provide sodium to livestock. In humans, low sodium can lead to decreased blood pressure, while excessive intake can increase it. Common salt is the primary source of sodium.
