ARS | Publication request: MACROMINERALS

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Dairy Science
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: November 10, 2001
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Macrominerals are those minerals whose daily requirement is measured in gra amounts, and includes calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, chlorine, and magnesium. Those elements are important structural component of bone and other tissue. The percentages of these elements present in steers of varying ages and emptied of gastrointestinal tract contents average 1.33, 0.74, 0.19, 0.16, 0.15, 0.11, and 0.04%, respectively. The requirements for each macromineral for lactating cows is presented, and a brief discussion of function for each is provided.