Question

Give the two main types of minerals and provide three examples in each case. b) State the major functions of minerals in the body of any grazing animal. c) Which mineral element is the most limiting in grazing animal productivity throughout the world?

Answer 1

Two main types of minerals are metallic and non-metallic.

Metallic:eg- manganese, iron ore , bauxite.

Non-metallic:eg- limestone, gypsum, mica.

b). Proper mineral nutrition in grazing animals contributes to strong immune system, reproductive performance, and calf weight gain. Animals require salt supplementation as a source of Na+.

Calcium is an important mineral for beef cattle, both in terms of relative requirements and diversity of function in the body. It is involved in blood clotting, skeleton formation, nerve Impulse transmission, heart function, etc.

c). Phosphorus is limiting mineral nutrient.