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COWS-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 21
With the exception of vitamin D other needed vitamins are provided in feed or created through digestion. Vitamin D is necessary for bone growth and mineral balances. It is found in the action of sunlight on the skin – unless the animal is confined to a barn no animal will be deficient of vitamin D.
Vitamin E is important for muscle development. Deficiency of vitamin E as well as selenium deficiency can lead to white muscle disease in young calves. It is found in natural feeds. White muscle disease is a fatal condition in calves in which heart muscle fibers are replaced with connective tissue caused by selenium deficiency.
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting, it too is found in feeds or created in the rumen.
Water soluble vitamins such as B and C are synthesized by microbes in the rumen therefore a beef animal should never be short on these unless it is ill when a veterinarian should be consulted.
Minerals: are required in very small amounts, however they are essential. Sodium, chlorine and potassium are crucial to fluid balance in both body and bloodstream.
Iron is important for red blood cells without it the blood does not carry oxygen.
Calcium and Phosphorus are needed for bone formation and milk production.
Mineral are well supplied in feed as they are to be found in forage/roughage and grain and only need to be supplement when circumstances dictate.
Salt contains two important minerals those of sodium and chlorine which are the only minerals not found in grass or hay. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO PROVIDE A BLOCK OF SALT OR LOOSE SALT. Cows will only consume sufficient salt for their need.
Vitamin E is important for muscle development. Deficiency of vitamin E as well as selenium deficiency can lead to white muscle disease in young calves. It is found in natural feeds. White muscle disease is a fatal condition in calves in which heart muscle fibers are replaced with connective tissue caused by selenium deficiency.
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting, it too is found in feeds or created in the rumen.
Water soluble vitamins such as B and C are synthesized by microbes in the rumen therefore a beef animal should never be short on these unless it is ill when a veterinarian should be consulted.
Minerals: are required in very small amounts, however they are essential. Sodium, chlorine and potassium are crucial to fluid balance in both body and bloodstream.
Iron is important for red blood cells without it the blood does not carry oxygen.
Calcium and Phosphorus are needed for bone formation and milk production.
Mineral are well supplied in feed as they are to be found in forage/roughage and grain and only need to be supplement when circumstances dictate.
Salt contains two important minerals those of sodium and chlorine which are the only minerals not found in grass or hay. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO PROVIDE A BLOCK OF SALT OR LOOSE SALT. Cows will only consume sufficient salt for their need.