Bovine Vitamins and Minerals

Question 1

Energy needs hierarchy

Answer 1

Reproduction, growth, lactation, immune, maintenance

Question 2

Calcium

Answer 2

For skeleton, cell signalling, mobility. 99% is in bones.
Source: stems and leaves
Deficiency: usually in sandy or acidic soils
Signs of def: milk fever, lethargy, poor growth
do not supplement in pregnant cows!

Question 3

Phosphorus

Answer 3

skeleton, fibre digestion, metabolism, maintenance, reproduction.
80% in bones, some in saliva.
Deficiency in pastures full of low quality grasses
Deficiency signs: slow growth, lower appetite, poor fertility

Question 4

Magnesium

Answer 4

Enzyme activation, cell membrane stability, metabolism. 70% stored in bones. Fibre and Na intake help reduce deficiencies but K, Ca, and P can decrease Mg availability.
Deficiency signs: muscular spasms, trembling, grass tetany

Question 5

K, Na, Cl

Answer 5

Often combined in foods
Na: nutrient transport (diffusion, osmosis)
K: acid base, muscle function, CV function
Cl: acid base, homeostasis
deficiencies more likely in Na and Cl, signs are pica, anorexia, ill thrift
Salt licks help with deficiency

Question 6

Sulphur

Answer 6

important for rumen function + microbiome
sulphur amino acids are important for wool production
Deficiency: lack of wool production, lack of crimp, poor fleece

Question 7

Chromium

Answer 7

lipid mobilization, immune function. give post-partum

Question 8

Cobalt

Answer 8

B12 synthesis. Sandy soils low in cobalt.

Deficiency signs: ill thrift, weepy eyes, scaly ears, anemia, infertility, poor mothering, phalaris staggers

Question 9

Copper

Answer 9

enzyme cofactor, immune function. Higher amounts in grasses than clovers.
Deficiency signs: reduced fertility, depressed immunity, loss of hair pigment. excess molybdenum main factor linked to copper deficiency

Question 10

Iodine

Answer 10

thyroid function, immune activity.

Deficiency: goiter. rarely deficient

Question 11

Iron

Answer 11

oxygen transport, antioxidant, important in forming hemoglobin
Deficiency signs: anemia, depressed immunity, decreased weight gain. iron oxide useless. iron sulfate should be used to supplement if needed

Question 12

manganese

Answer 12

cartilage synthesis, antioxidant, reproduction, fetal and udder development. Deficiency is rare, but can be seen in corn based diets

Question 13

Molybdenum

Answer 13

cofactor for redox. Higher amounts in grasses than clovers.

Deficiency signs: reduced fertility, depressed immunity, loss of hair pigment.

Question 14

selenium

Answer 14

Destruction of peroxides, protection against oxidative damage.
Deficiency: weak calves, increased susceptibility of calves to diseases, increased rates of retained placentas, poor repro performance. Selenium can be very toxic

Question 15

Vitamin A

Answer 15

Needed for bone development, maintenance of epithelial cells, night vision.
Deficiency: night blindness, eye discharge, ill thrift

Question 16

Vitamin D

Answer 16

Get it through the sun! Regulates Ca:P balance.

Deficiency: rare. Ill thrift, anorexia, hunch back, rickets, osteomalacia

Question 17

Vitamin E

Answer 17

Unsaturated FA metabolism, maintain membranes.
Deficiency may occur in young animals without green feed for months
Signs: lameness, muscle weakness, ill thrift

Question 18

Choline

Answer 18

supplement during transition period to reduce liver fat and increase milk production.

Question 19

Vitamin C

Answer 19

most important water soluble vitamin in mammals. Vitamin C may help prevent mastitis