|
NUTRIENT |
FUNCTIONS |
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS |
|
Sodium (Na) |
Maintains
osmotic pressure and acid-base balance of body fluids which in turn
regulates nutrient transfer, waste removal and water balance in body
tissue. Plays a role in muscle contraction and in the
production of bile. |
- Reduced growth and feed utilisation
- Reduced milk production
- Weight loss in adults
- Infertility in males
- Delayed sexual maturity in females
- Craving for sodium (e.g. drinking urine)
- In laying hens - lower egg production,
weight loss and cannibalism.
|
| Chlorine (Cl) |
Maintains osmotic pressure
and acid-base balance of body fluids. Component of gastric
juice (hydrochloric acid). |
- Retarded growth
- Chloride deficient chicks exhibit noise
induced nervous symptoms.
|
| Calcium (Ca) |
Bone and teeth development.
Nerve function, muscle contraction and blood coagulation. Cell
permeability. Milk production and development of egg shells in
poultry. |
- Rickets in young
- Osteomalacia in adults
- Tetany e.g. milk fever in cows
- In hens - thin shelled eggs, reduced egg production and
lower hatch rates.
|
| Phosphorous (P) |
Bone and teeth development.
Is a constituent of phospholipids required for lipid transport,
metabolism and cell membrane structure and RNA and DNA required for
protein synthesis. Also a component of several enzyme systems. |
- Rickets in young
- Osteomalacia in adults
- Depraved appetite (pica)
- Breeding and urinary problems
- In hens, reduced egg production.
|
| Magnesium(Mg) |
Essential for normal
skeletal development. Is a constituent of bone and functions
as an enzyme activator in the glycolytic system. Helps
decrease tissue irritability. |
- Flushing of the skin due to vasodilation
- Hyperirritability e.g. Tetany, loss of
appetite, hyperemia, convulsions and death.
|
| Potassium (K) |
Major cation of
intracellular fluid that regulates osmotic pressure and acid-base
balance. Plays a role in muscle activity, carbohydrate
metabolism and enzyme reactions involving creatine. |
- Retarded growth, muscle weakness, unsteady
gait, pica, diarrohoea, distended abdomen, emaciation followed
by death.
|
|
Sulphur (S) |
Constituent of cystine and
methionine (amino acids), biotin (for lipid metabolism), thiamine
(for carbohydrate metabolism) and coenzyme A (for energy
metabolism). |
- Retarded growth due to insufficient protein
synthesis
- Sheep may experience reduced wool growth.
|
