Question: How does mineral imbalances leads to livestock ill-health?

Jacinta Nzilani answered on 17 Jul 2025: last edited 17 Jul 2025 7:17 pm

Hey,
⚠️ How Mineral Imbalances Affect Livestock Health.

Mineral imbalances occur when livestock get too little or too much of nutrients like selenium, zinc, copper, magnesium, and manganese. These trace minerals are essential for key body functions such as immunity, reproduction, growth, and muscle health.

🧪 Key Minerals and Their Imbalance Effects

Selenium (Se) + Vitamin E

Se is vital for the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which protects muscle and immune cells from damage. Deficiency causes white muscle disease, especially in calves and lambs, marked by stiffness, weakness, and even death.
Low Se also impairs immunity , leading to higher rates of infections like mastitis and worse reproductive outcomes (retained placenta, embryonic death) .

Zinc (Zn)

Essential in over 2,500 enzyme reactions, Zn affects growth, skin health, wound healing, and immune function

Deficiency signs include poor weight gain, dermatitis, hoof problems, slow conception rates, and reduced fertility .

Copper (Cu)

Needed for energy metabolism, antioxidant defenses, and immune response. Low Cu can lead to poor reproduction, weakened calves, and coat discoloration

Magnesium (Mg)

Mg deficiency causes grass tetany (staggers) in grazing livestock, especially in early spring pastures rich in rapidly growing grass. Symptoms: muscle twitching, staggering, collapse, and sudden death .

Manganese (Mn)

Required for enzyme systems & reproductive hormone synthesis. Low Mn can cause crooked calf disease, poor fertility, and abortions