Salt Institute: FACTORS AFFECTING THE TRACE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF FEEDSTUFFS
FACTORS AFFECTING THE TRACE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF FEEDSTUFFS
by
Larry L. Berger, Ph.D.
Professor, Animal Sciences
University of Illinois
Animal nutritionists and livestock producers have recognize that variation in nutrient profiles of feedstuffs is a common occurrence. However, few producers realize that the normal variation in energy, protein or macrominerals is relatively small compared to what has recently been reported for the trace minerals.
The purpose of this review is two-fold. First, it is important to describe the variation in trace mineral profiles among common feedstuffs so it can be considered in supplementation programs. Secondly, identifying those factors contributing to this variation may be helpful to individual producers and nutritionist in preventing trace mineral deficiencies.