Don’t ignore mineral deficiencies
By Joanne Masterson - Business and Technology Drystock Adviser with Teagasc Galway/Clare region
MINERAL deficiencies can affect the performance, fertility and profitability of your sheep flock. Farms in areas where it is known that there is a deficiency will routinely supplement flocks with minerals as a preventative measure.
Supplementation can add extra labour and financial costs on farms and in some cases it may not be necessary. It is estimated that Irish sheep producers spend approximately €3million annually on mineral drenches and boluses.
In order for you to know if you have a problem with mineral deficiencies, it is important to know risk factors and signs to help you understand what mineral is lacking and what strategy to use going forward. Firstly it is important to understand the difference between Major and Trace (minor) minerals.
Major elements include the following minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Potassium and Chloride. Major elements exist in larger levels in the ewe and are required in larger amounts in the diet. In the case of grass forage major elements are well supplied in grass therefore not as much supplementation is needed in this case.
Trace minerals include: Copper, Zinc, Cobalt, Manganese, Selenium, Iodine and Iron. Trace minerals exist at low levels in the animal’s body and smaller amounts are required in the diet. Trace element levels are lower in grass so that is why more supplementation of these minerals is needed.
Growing animals have the highest demand for trace minerals in particular growing lambs. They are born with low reserves stored in their body so it may be seen sooner if there is an issue.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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