5.2 Functions of different minerals
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|
Minerals |
Functions |
Calcium |
Essential for milk production Necessary for bone & teeth formation Required for contraction of muscles |
Phosphorus |
Essential for milk production Required in energy metabolism Required for bone & teeth formation |
Magnesium |
Important for the integrity of bone & teeth Involved in protein synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates & lipids |
Sulphur |
Required for protein synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates & lipids Sulphur is a part of B-complex vitamins, thiamin & biotin |
Sodium & potassium |
Required for maintenance of osmotic balance Required in acid- base equilibrium |
Copper |
Required for haemoglobin synthesis Necessary for tissue pigmentation & component of several metallo-enzymes Required for normal reproductive functions |
Zinc |
Spermatogenesis & the development of primary & secondary sex organs Required for normal functioning of epithelial tissue Activates vitamin A & its deficiency leads to night blindness |
Manganese |
Co-factor for many enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism Activator in the synthesis of fatty acids |
Iodine |
Required for the synthesis of thyroid hormone (T &T )
Necessary for reproduction & growth of animals |
Cobalt |
Required for the synthesis of vitamin B by the rumen microbes
Essential for haemoglobin synthesis |
Chromium |
Component of Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) Required for the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat Helps in improving immune status of animals |