Animal Nutrition

Minerals, which can also be referred to as Ash content, are natural elements that the body needs small dosages of (Paula, 2015). Unlike all macronutrients and vitamins, minerals are inorganic material, and whilst it can be found within organic matter, it originates from natural elements such as stone. Because of this, minerals can be found on the periodic table (see figure 17). Being inorganic, minerals are unable to burn, which is why it remains behind after burning in the form of ash (Wagner, 2015).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minerals contain many important roles within the body, and although each mineral varies in its role, they all constitute to keep the body maintained through homeostasis; keeping the body regulating and functioning. Minerals hold no calories because they are unable to produce energy, and they are unable to be synthesised within the body itself, meaning it must come from another source, such as consumption (The Nemours Foundation, 2015).

 

Minerals are separated into two categories; Macro-minerals and Micro-minerals. Macro-minerals are needed in larger quantities than Micro-minerals, and are usually measured through either percentages (%) or mg/kg (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2015). Micro-minerals can be referred to as Trace Minerals, because the body only needs trace amounts. Micro-minerals are measured through parts per million (ppm) (Farm Journal Inc, 2011).

 

Macrominerals

Macro-minerals include, but are not limited to:

 

• Calcium

This is the main building component for bones, and assists in the muscle’s ability to contract. In turn, this also affects the heart rate (since the heart is a muscle constantly contracting), and also influences nerve function and the blood’s ability to clot (National Osteoporosis Foundation, 2015).

 

It is important not to over intake calcium, as an excess amount can solidify into limestone within the kidneys and form kidney stones. However, a deficiency of calcium can severely hinder bone growth, which can become serious in animals such as reptiles that can develop Metabolic Bone Disease (PetMD, 2015).

 

Sources can be found in limestone based products and dairy. if an animal does not naturally eat any of these sources, supplements will be needed within their diets (Costa et al, 2015).

 

• Phosphorus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Magnesium

This is needed to regulate many general body functions through reactions in enzymes. Magnesium is found in over 300 different enzymes, and as an element it has a very strong rapid chain reaction, which helps break down food and other matter. It is also used to maintain the cells found in nerves and muscles, and can also be found in the component of bones (Dean, 2007).

 

A high intake of magnesium can be troublesome and should be avoided; it can rupture functions within the abdomen, mainly affecting animals such as cats, which can develop Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. On the other hand, the sources of magnesium are unnatural for cats to eat, and thus should be easy to avoid. Signs of this disease in your cat is a good indicator that your cat isn’t on the correct diet, and will need to be changed (Cornel University, 2014).

 

Sources include legumes, nuts and whole grains such as wheat and cereals (Fox et al, 2001).

 

• Sodium (Electrolyte)

One of the three electrolytes, this is needed to balance fluids with chloride, and can stimulate muscles into relaxing. It also works together with potassium to control nerve pulses and regulating blood pressure.

 

• Chloride (Electrolyte)

One of the three electrolytes, this is needed to balance fluids and regulate water through osmosis regulation, and works together with sodium to transmit nerve impulses across the body. Chloride also helps digest foods.

 

• Potassium (Electrolyte)

One of the three electrolytes, this is needed to control both nerve pulses and the contractions of muscles, and works alongside sodium to maintain blood pressure.

 

All of the electrolytes can be sourced in salt, milk, eggs, green vegetables, potatoes, seeds, fish and chicken. Potassium can be specifically rich in nutty content (Stöppler, 2015).

 

• Sulphur

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trace Minerals

Micro-minerals include, but are not limited to:

 

• Chromium

This is used to help metabolise both fats and carbohydrates; it does this by stimulating fatty acids and inducing Cholesterol Synthesis. Chromium also helps the body to metabolise insulin (Mason, 2011).

 

This can be found within all organic food sources (Evert, 2013).

 

• Copper

This is used to assist in formation of both haemoglobins and bones. It is also used to keep blood vessels and nerves active, and the overall immune system healthy. Copper can also aid the absorption of iron within the body (Texas Heart Institute, 2015).

 

It is very important to keep copper intake to a low trace value, as animals are common to develop Copper Poisoning. This is where excess levels of copper are stored in the liver, causing liver damage and destroys red blood cells. It is most commonly found within small ruminant animals and pigs, and should be monitored carefully when added into the feed (Metre, 2000).

 

Sources include animal livers, red meats and fish (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2015).

 

• Fluoride

This is used for the development of enamel structure and reducing the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride is also used to resist acid attacks, and reduce the ability of plaque bacteria to produce acid within the mouth, which is why it is an important main ingredient for toothpaste (Meredith Corporation, 2015).

 

Despite its common use, fluoride is highly toxic, and needs minimal trace amounts within animals. Dogs, for example, can only intake 0.1-0.3mg/kg daily. Most of the sources of fluoride are toxic to dogs, so care should be taken when choosing an appropriate substitute for the mineral (Blakley, 2011).

 

Sources include grapes, dried fruit, dried beans, cocoa, walnuts, and tealeaves (see figure 20) (Connet, 2012).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Iodine

This is used to create the hormone Thyroid, which is formed from Thyroxin and Parathyroid, both of which come from the Parathyroid Gland. This mineral also metabolises individual body cells, and affects the overall metabolism of the body. In turn, this is also used to affect the rate of a body’s growth; if an individual has a faster metabolism, they are more likely to grow more rapidly (Bath, 2013).

 

Sources include sea foods, shell fish, plant foods, cereals and grains (American Thyroid Association, 2015).

 

• Iron

Iron is part of the haemoglobin, and is mostly associated with protein. Iron keeps the immune system healthy, and can affect the development of the brain by carrying oxygen throughout the body.

 

It is important for young animals to have slightly more consumption levels of iron, because as they grow, their brain development will be greatly affected by the level of oxygen able to reach the brain through its growth. In turn, an influx in iron supplements will keep oxygen levels high and assist young in their development (Lewin, 2015).

 

Sources include cereals, eggs, beans, green vegetables and red meats (Zelman, 2014).

 

• Manganese

This is used for enzyme production, as it can be found within many enzymes, and assists in growth and bone development. It is also used as a component for connective tissues (Claus et al, 2010).

 

Sources include animal livers and kidneys (Institute of Medicine, 2001).

 

• Selenium

This is used mainly as an antioxidant, preventing oxygen damage to body cells by working alongside fats and vitamin E. In turn, it has the ability to break down lipids, and can improve immunity functions and results in lowering the risk of infection and cancer within the body (Davis, 2012).

 

Sources include colourful fruit and vegetables, and grain products (Sunde, 2012).

 

• Zinc

Zinc is mostly involved with metabolising fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It is also important for the maintenance of skin and coat condition, and is used to keep both skin and fur soft and hydrated (Prasad, 1995).

 

A deficiency in zinc can cause animals skin lesions, which are incredibly irritating and painful. However, it is incredibly rare for animals to become deficient in zinc, as it can be found in most meat and vegetation (Institute of Medicine, 2001).

 

Sources mainly include red meats, poultry and green vegetables (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2011).

 

• Molybdenum

This is used to create Xanthineoxidas, an enzyme used to generate oxygen, and is also used as an antioxidant within the body. Molybdenum also helps cellular respiration within cells (Food and Nutrition Board, 2001).

 

Sources include grain products, fruit, vegetables, beans and nuts (Texas Heart Institute, 2015).

 

• Cobalt

Cobalt works together with Vitamin B12, and is essential to the function and production of red blood cells. This prevents the risk of anaemia (Haas, 2015).

 

The body can synthesise cobalt, which is unusual in the circumstances that minerals aren’t considered to be organic material. In Monogastric animals (animals with only one stomach chamber), cobalt is synthesised within the caecum, an area where fibre is stored in bacteria to assist breaking down and digesting substance. In Ruminant stomached animals (animals with 4 chambers in the stomach), will synthesis cobalt within the rumen, which is similar to the caecum however much more efficient at digesting fibre products (Henry, 1995).

 

Sources include red meats, plants and cereal products (Banerjee and Chowdhury, 1999).