Mineral nutrition in tropical dual-purpose cows on grazing

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to review the role that minerals play in the productive response of dual-purpose cows grazing in humid tropical conditions. Minerals are very important nutritional elements. Along with proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, water, and air, they are essential for life. Twenty-one elements are recognized as essential or probably essential for animal function. They are classified into two categories: macro and micro (trace). Minerals above 100 ppm are grouped as macro; those below 100 ppm are called micro. The macro elements are calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), and sulfur (S). The micronutrients are iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iodine (I), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mb), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), tin (Sn), vanadium (V), fluorine (F), silicon (Si), nickel (Ni) and arsenic (As). Plants provide all the elements necessary for good nutrition, with some exceptions due to the species, climate, soil, and season. Shrubby and herbaceous legumes are richer in protein, digestibility, and mineral content than grasses. Legume leaves can be a good source of several essential minerals. A pasture with sufficient and varied leguminous shrubs guarantees a good supply of the minerals necessary for efficient animal production. Animal requirements depend on breed, age, productive status, and health. Three critical moments in the life of cattle are: birth, weaning, and peripartum. It is possible to maintain a balance between the pasture's supply and the requirements of a grazing animal. A thorough soil analysis, accompanied by competent technical advice, ensures efficient and economical management.