Animal nutrition - minerals & vitamins Flashcards
True digestibility of calcium
20-55%
how much is too much Ca for cattle
over15 g/kg ration DM
PTH function
increases serum Ca by,
Release of calcium from bones.
Absorption of calcium from the intestines.
Conservation of calcium by the kidneys.
calcitonin function
(synthesised by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid and counteracts PTH)
descrease serum Ca by,
Major effect: inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption
Minor effect: Inhibits renal tubular cell reabsorption of Ca2+ and phosphate
1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol function
or vitamin D3, also known as calcitriol (synthesised in the cells of the proximal tubule of the nephron)
increases serum Ca by,
Promotes absorption of dietary Ca from the GI tract.
Increases renal tubular reabsorption of Ca
Stimulates release of calcium from bone.
osteomalacia
is softening of the bones, bone fragility
vitamin D and/or calcium deficiency can cause this
what part of plants typically contain most calcium?
Ca content is higher in the vegetative parts of plants (so teh leafy, green parts), compared to the seeds and roots
give 3 examples of sources of Ca among legume plants
clover, lucerne, peas
True digestibility of phosphorus
60-90%
absorption takes place in the lower parts of the small
intestine (both pigs and ruminants)
Ca excess does what to P absorption and storage into tissues
decreases it
Optimum Ca : P ratio in an animals’ ration is
dry cow 1.3 - 1.4 : 1
milking cow 2 : 1
signs of P excess
– causes deficiency of Ca
– stimulates PTH, which in turn stimulates Ca resorption from bones, leading to bone demineralisation
signs of P deficit
– long-term deficit causes bone fragility
– ambiguous signs: animal appetite is reduced, growth slows down, milk production is reduced, animal is sluggish
what part of plants typically contain most phosphorus?
generative parts of plants meaning the seeds and seed hulls
what is the biggest significance of Se
The biggest significance of Selenium is in the composition of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which is strongly associated with vitamin E and with other antioxidants
how does sulphur affect selenium?
significance in the ratio between Se and S (cell entry competition for the same carrier)
i.e. S is an antagonist to Se
-> high S amounts leads to higher Se excretion via urine
what is alkali disease
Chronic selenium poisoning
when the ration Se content is > 5 mg/kg DM
emaciation, hair loss (horsehair mane and tail), hoof and claw anomalies, swollen joints, lameness, anaemia, growth retardation in young animals, etc.
what is blind staggers
Acute selenium poisoning
disorders of the central nervous system and coordination of movement, hoof and claw growth anomalies, deformation of joints, lameness, paralysis, deformities, etc.
The metabolism of Selenium and what vitamin is very closely connected
vitamin E
what is Beriberi disease
what vitamin deficiency is involved?
a polyneuritic syndrome
Beriberi is a deficiency of thiamin, more commonly known as vitamin B1.
what vitamin deficiency is involved in the development of rickets?
vitamin D
in conjunction with inadequate sun exposure (+ lack of Ca and P)
fish liver oil still heals rickets after the vitamin A is degraded by oxidation
what vitamin deficiency is involved in the development of scurvy?
vitamin C
what vitamin deficiency is involved in the development of night blindness?
vitamin A
one retinol derivative is part of the composition of the
light-sensitive eye pigment rhodopsin
how does beta carotene relate to vitamin requirements?
Beta carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid, or a nutrient that the body readily converts into vitamin A.
Fat-soluble vitamins (min 4)
A, D, E, K
A1– retinol, retinal, retinoic acid
A2- dehydroretinol
D2– ergocalciferol
D3– cholecalciferol
E – tocopherol, tocotrienols
K1– phylloquinone
K2– menaquinone
K3– menadione (synthetic form is water soluble)
Water-soluble vitamins
the B-vitamins and vitamin C
B1– thiamine
B2– riboflavin
B3 - niacin, nicotinic acid
B4 - Choline/adenine
B5 - Pantothenic acid
B6– pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal
B7 - Biotin
B8 - Myo-inositol (synthesised in human body)
B9 - Folic acid
B12 – cobalamin
what mineral competes with selenium for absorption?
sulphur
cell entry competition for the same carrier i.e. S is an antagonist to Se -> high Sulphur
amounts leads to higher Selenium excretion via urine
potassium
functions and feed sources
- maintain water balance
- maintain osmotic pressure
- maintain acid-base balance
- activate enzymes
- help metabolize carbohydrates and proteins
- regulate neuromuscular activity (along with Ca)
primary source of potassium is the forage portion of the normal ruminant diet
wheat/corn and soybean meal diets
potassium
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Potassium deficiency may commonly be manifested by
depressed growth, muscular weakness, stiffness, decreased feed intake, intracellular
acidosis, nervous disorders, reduced heart rate, and abnormal electrocardiograms.
sodium
functions and feed sources
major extracellular cation and essential for maintaining osmotic pressure in the body as well as water regulation. is essential for transporting nutrients around the body and removing waste from cells.
Sodium is found in forage
sodium
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Sodium deficiency in ruminants can cause reduced appetite, reduced water intake, weight loss, reduced milk production and pica.
sulphur
functions and feed sources
Sulphur plays an important role in the synthesis of microbial protein. Sulphur also stimulates the manufacture of riboflavin (B2) and cobalamin (B12) in the rumen. Sulphur is involved in connective tissue, mainly with chondroitin sulphate which is a component of cartilage, bone, tendons and the walls of blood vessels.
Distillers grain has high levels of sulphur.
sulphur
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Sulphur deficiency causes reduced appetite due to reduced rumen microflora and rumen function. For grazing cattle the main source of sulphur is in grass, especially when it is green.
chlorine
functions and feed sources
major macromineral and anion
Regulates water in conjunction with sodium.
Chlorine is necessary for the formation of hydrochloric acid.
Chloride is highly available from feedstuffs.
chlorine
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Clinical symptoms of chloride deficiency in the lactating cow include pica, lethargy, anorexia, lowered milk yield, constipation, and cardiovascular depression. Metabolic changes are expressed as a severe primary hypochloremia, secondary hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis.
magnesium
functions and feed sources
a major mineral and cation
to sustain the metabolic activity of the enzymes that use Mg as cofactor and to prevent hypomagnesaemic clinical conditions such as grass tetany and milk fever.
green forage, animal derived feed, and mineral supplements. Feed ingredients like wheat bran, dried yeast, linseed meal, and cottonseed meal are good sources of Mg.
magnesium
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Magnesium deficiency can cause acute neuromuscular problems, characterized by incoordination or convulsions.
iron
functions and feed sources
functions related to respiration as it constitutes blood molecules that transport respiratory gases. It also makes up an important number of enzymes such as catalases, oxidases, dehydrogenases, among others.
major source of dietary Fe for dairy cows is forage
iron
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Iron deficiency in animal nutrition can be related to blood disorders that hinder all body processes, causing anemia, weakness, lower productive performance.
zinc
functions and feed sources
makes up many enzymes as a cofactor. Therefore, it participates in metabolic processes related to lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Corn- and milo-based feedlot diets provide 19 to 21 ppm of zinc, while wheat is considerably richer.
zinc
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Zinc deficiency has been associated with imbalances of the immune system and the reproductive system in male ruminants.
Severe zinc deficiency in cattle results in reduced growth, reduced feed intake, loss of hair, skin lesions, excessive salivation, swollen feed with open, scaly lesions, and impaired reproduction.
copper
functions and feed sources
makes up several enzymes involved in oxidation-reduction processes such as cytochrome oxidase. These enzymes regulate redox processes in tissues with a high metabolic rate such as the liver. also plays a fundamental role in the functioning of blood cells, skin pigmentation, and the formation of bones and nerves.
corn and soybeans
copper
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
anemia, neonatal ataxia, bone disorders, poor growth and appetite, defective keratinization, infertility
molybdenum
functions and feed sources
known to reduce Copper absorption
functions as an oxygen transfer reaction in some body enzymes. molybdenum is required at very minimal amounts in the diet
grass and alfalfa are intermediate and pasture is the most variable
molybdenum
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Very rare in all animal species and is likely as a result of high Copper and Sulphur.
Reduced feed intake and growth
Impaired reproduction.
Poor mandible, leg formation, and vigour in Chicks.
iodine
functions and feed sources
makes up the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play an essential role in the development and metabolism of animals as they regulate these processes.
mineral premixes in feed for iodine supplementation if deficient in forage
iodine
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Iodine deficiency causes goiter. At the functional level, most metabolic processes in animals are altered.
manganese
functions and feed sources
Manganese is a cofactor for enzymes that are involved in fat metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and energy production, and it is critical to cattle health as an antioxidant. Additionally, as a cofactor in the production of cholesterol, manganese is essential to reproductive performance.
cereal grains and animal raw materials
manganese
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
Retarded bone growth
Reproductive failure
cobalt
functions and feed sources
Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is involved in the formation of red blood cells and nerve cell functions.
Alfalfa and yeast are rich sources of cobalt, and cereal grains contain moderate amounts. supplemental cobalt common for beef and dairy rations.
cobalt
deficiency symptoms and associated problems
In ruminants, deficiency is rare since the bacteria present in the rumen produce vitamin B12. In swine, something similar occurs, but with bacteria located at the intestinal level.
signs of cobalt deficiency are similar to those of malnutrition and include emaciation, poor appetite, weeping ‘rheumy’ eyes, anaemia and de-creased milk production.
signs of Vitamin E deficiency In farm animals
reproductive disorders occur
* Sperm quality becomes worse
* Embryo death
* Absorption of fatty acids reduced
Ca content is higher in plants’ …
A. vegetative parts
B. generative parts
C. roots/tubers
A. vegetative parts
(leaves)
P content is higher in plants’ …
A. vegetative parts
B. generative parts
C. roots/tubers
B. generative parts
(the reproductive parts)
At which Ca and P ratio does the organism assimilate Ca best?
A. 1:6
B. 1:1
C. 6:1
B. 1:1
The optimum Ca : P ratio in the lactating cow’s ration is …
A. 1:1
B. 1,4:1
C. 2:1
C. 2:1
The border between Se requirement and toxicity in animals is …
A. narrow
B. wide
A. narrow
The lethal dose is 10 mg/kg DM, the maximum dose is 5 mg/kg DM, the allowed daily dose, depending on the species and age of the animal, is up to 0.5 mg of which 0.2 mg could be organic source (in complete feed, 88% DM).
In EU the allowed maximum Se level in complete feed is …
A. 10 mg/kg in dry matter
B. 5 mg/kg in dry matter
C. 2 mg/kg in dry matter
D. 0.5 mg/kg (12% moisture)
D. 0.5 mg/kg (12% moisture)
The lethal dose is 10 mg/kg DM, the maximum dose is 5 mg/kg DM, the allowed daily dose, depending on the species and age of the animal, is up to 0.5 mg of which 0.2 mg could be organic source (in complete feed, 88% DM & 12% moisture).
Nowadays vitamins are added to the feed ration in order to …
A. avoid deficiency diseases
B. increase production
C. improve health and fertility
D. all the above reasons
D. all the above reasons
Which feeds absorb vitamin A better?
A. animal origin feeds
B. plant origin feeds
A. animal origin feeds or
absorption from feeds of animal origin is 80%
… provitamins in plant origin feeds absorbed to the extent of 50%
Vitamin D content is higher in …
A. plant origin feeds
B. animal origin feeds
C. fish liver
C. fish liver
*… amount in feeds is low
* … is only in plant origin feeds (forages), which
have been dried in the sun
* … content in animal origin feeds is also low,
except fish liver and oil made from it
Vitamin E content is higher in …
A. plant origin feeds
B. animal origin feeds
C. fish liver
A. plant origin feeds
*… is not contained in animal origin feeds (even
in fish liver)
* … content is high in plant oils, wheat germ oil
and cereals
Vitamin K deficiency usually causes…
A. fertility problems
B. hypocalcaemia
C. non-clotting of blood
D. night blindness
C. non-clotting of blood
Which animals primarily suffer from vitamin K deficiency?
A. ruminants
B. horses
C. pigs and poultry
C. pigs and poultry
Which animals primarily suffer from vitamin B group deficiency most?
A. ruminants
B. horses
C. pigs and poultry
C. pigs and poultry
What vitamin is called the “growth vitamin”?
vitamin A
affects embryo growth
what is ergocalciferol
vitamin D2 -> plant origin
Assimilation of vitamin D2 & D3 are the same in farm animals, birds assimilate only 10% of D2.
What ion is needed for calcium release?
Mg2+
general term for vitamin E compounds?
tocopherols, which are α-, β-, γ-tocopherol, the most active is α-tocopherol
sources of vitamin E
is not synthesised by animals, is not contained in animal origin feeds (even in fish liver)
its content is high in plant oils, wheat germ oil and cereals
what are naphthoquinones
Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins also called naphthoquinones.
Within the Vitamin K group are vitamins..? (4)
K, K1, K2 and K3.
The natural form of Vitamin K is Vitamin K1, or Phylloquinone, which is present in a number of plants and is the main source of Vitamin K obtained through food.
Where does vitamin menaquinone come from?
vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is synthesised by bacteria living in animals’ digestive organs
vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) – only in plants
vitamin K3 (menadione) – is a synthetic compound which is alkylated in the body into vitamin K2
vitamin K takes part in (name 4)
- the transition of fibrinogen to fibrin, which causes blood coagulation
– involved in the formation of prothrombin
– participates in the bone mineralization process
– is required for the phosphorylation of glucose
Vitamin K deficiency is not a problem in
grazed animals, because green plants contain sufficient amounts of vitamin K
usually sufferers are pigs and poultry
Where does vitamin B complex comes from?
are synthesised by micro-organisms, which is why ruminants (and horses) do not suffer this deficiency
vitamin B complex is water-soluble and is found in yeast, seeds/brans, eggs, liver, meat, and vegetables.
Signs of vitamin B deficiency?
– decreased appetite
– decrease in production
– reduced growth of young animals
– disorders of the nervous system
B group vitamins are higher in …
A. pasture grass
B. yeasted feeds
C. cereals
D. cakes and meals
B. yeasted feeds
“vitamin B complexx … can be found in microbial feeds (yeast), but
also in brans and in fish liver oil”
