Minerals & Vitamins

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering essential minerals and vitamins for animals, their functions, deficiencies, and dietary requirements.

What are the two types of nutrients required by animals?

Inorganic and organic nutrients.

What are macro elements?

Minerals required in larger amounts, such as Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Cl, S.

What are trace elements?

Minerals required in smaller amounts, such as Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo, I, Se, Co, F, Cr.

What is a major function of calcium in the body?

Blood clotting, muscle function, acid-base balance.

What is the best calcium to phosphorus ratio in the diet?

A ratio of 2:1.

What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency?

Reduced feed intake, abnormal eating habits, lethargy, osteomalacia, rickets, tetany, and paralysis.

What is sodium's primary function in the body?

Regulating body fluid volume, osmolarity, and acid-base balance.

Why might herbivores be sodium deficient?

Plants do not require sodium; therefore, areas of high rainfall may lead to deficiency.

What is grass tetany?

A condition caused by poor magnesium absorption in ruminants during spring on fertilized pastures.

What are the two broad groups of vitamins?

Fat soluble and water soluble.

Which vitamins are fat soluble?

Vitamins A, D, E, and K.

What is the function of Vitamin A?

Functions in the rods of the eye and affects respiratory, digestive, and immune systems.

What are the sources of Vitamin D?

Produced from cholesterol and UV light, with precursors found in animal and plant tissue.

What is Vitamin E primarily known for?

Acting as an antioxidant for lipids.

Why is Vitamin K important?

It is necessary for blood clotting.