Functions of Minerals | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Functions of Minerals in Animal Bodies

• Mineral nutrition in animals involves the utilization of various inorganic elements with some functions still remaining unknown, such as Aluminium.
• Complex interactions exist between different minerals, with some minerals working in tandem to fulfill specific functions.
• Minerals like calcium and phosphorus are crucial components of the skeletal structure and organic compounds like proteins and lipids, contributing to the formation of body tissues.
• These minerals also participate in multiple enzyme systems within the body and help in maintaining osmotic pressure and acid-base equilibrium.
• Certain minerals are responsible for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves, contributing to their irritability.
• Imbalances in mineral elements can lead to nutritional disorders in animals, where the issue might not solely stem from the deficiency of one mineral. For instance, a copper deficiency in an animal should not be viewed in isolation, as the presence of molybdenum and sulphur also influences the severity of the deficiency.
  

Main Functions of Essential Elements in Animal Bodies

• Protective Function: Essential elements such as calcium contribute to blood clot formation, while calcium, phosphorus, and fluorine aid in the protective enamel of teeth.
• Structural Function: Sulphur-containing amino acids are vital for tissues like hair, horn, and hoof. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium play key roles in bone formation, influencing body size, proportions, and physiological processes like reproduction.
• Regulatory Function: Iodine regulates metabolic rates through the thyroid gland. Sodium and chloride maintain osmotic pressure, while various ions like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chlorine help in blood pH balance and heart muscle rhythm.
• General Metabolic Activities: Iron aids in oxygen transport and enzymatic processes. Magnesium activates enzyme reactions, manganese aids in digestive enzymes, and copper supports haemoglobin formation. Cobalt, as cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), prevents nutritional anemia. Phosphorus is crucial for synthesizing and breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Significance of Essential Elements

• Essential Elements are minerals with proven metabolic roles in animal bodies.
• Minerals are categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients based on concentration, with trace elements expressed in parts per million (ppm) and major elements in percentages.