Role of Major Minerals in Animal Reproduction
Vinay Pratap Singh1, Manju2, Sheela Choudhary3 and Monika Karnani4
Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (PGIVER)
NH-21, Agra Road, Jamdoli, Jaipur
1.MVSc Scholar, Department of Animal Nutrition, PGIVER, Jaipur
2.Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, PGIVER, Jaipur
3.Professor and Head, Department of Animal Nutrition, PGIVER, Jaipur
4.Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, PGIVER, Jaipur
Introduction
Minerals are necessary for all animal’s physiological functions, including reproduction. Deficits and imbalances in minerals are frequently mentioned as reasons for low reproduction. It is obvious that sufficient amounts of minerals need to be supplied. Animal reproduction is significantly affected by the major minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, potassium, and sulphur). Minerals should be prioritised in order to maximise animal reproduction, as they are the third most important nutrient after protein and energy.
Dietary calcium concentration raises the risk of milk fever, which in turn raises the risk of a number of periparturient conditions. Sodium is involved in the uptake of glucose by cells, the maintenance of osmotic balance, and amino acid metabolism.
The various stages of the reproductive event can be adversely affected by poor nutrition, which can be caused by inadequate, excess, or imbalanced nutrient intake. These stages range from delayed puberty, reduced ovulation, and lower conception rates, to high embryonic and foetal losses, excessively long post-partum anoestrus, poor lactation, high perinatal mortality, and poor neonatal performance. A strong immune system can be maintained by nutrition, and adequate vitamin and mineral levels are also critical for effective reproduction. Because minerals are essential for livestock health, productivity, and reproductive success, toxicity and mineral deficiencies may result in reproductive abnormalities in animals.
Calcium
Since calcium makes up the majority of the skeletal system, it is the most common mineral in the body. Calcium’s primary roles in reproduction include supporting parturition, uterine involution, muscular contractility, and uterine tone maintenance. Low blood calcium levels cause uterine prolapse, dystocia, and a delay in involution. They also raise the risk of retained placenta. A calcium deficit results in reduced muscular contraction, which reduces feed intake due to a decrease in rumen function and a severe Negative Energy Balance (NEB). Consequently, there is an increase in fat mobilisation, which can lead to fatty liver syndrome and ketosis. This might affect fertility and cause a decrease in milk output.
As a result, there is a higher likelihood of retained placenta in fresh calving, and it also delays uterine involution. Increased postpartum anestrous results in financial loss for the owner. A high level of calcium can also impair the function of the reproductive system by preventing the absorption of several minerals from the gut, including phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and copper. By preventing the absorption of P, Mg, Zn, Cu, and other trace elements in the gut, increased calcium concentration can also result in a secondary deficit of these elements, which in turn can lower the conception rate in cows. To prevent production loss and reproductive issues, the calcium requirements of reproductive animals must be fulfilled within the stipulated time frames.
Phosphorus
A vital component of bone, phosphorus is essential to many bodily biochemical processes. In the form of phospholipids, it is also a part of the cell wall. Phosphorus deficiency is commonly linked to poor milk supply, anorexia, stunted growth, and decreased milk output. Its primary function is to affect or interfere with the estrous cycle. In one study, heifers fed 70–80% of the necessary phosphorus had a high number of services per conception (about 3.7); however, when proper phosphorus supplementation was applied, this number dropped to 1.3. Lack of this can also result in a lower probability of conception, irregular ovulation, and reduced ovarian activity. It has been noted that phosphorus deficiency occurs in animals experiencing reproductive problems. Consequently, it is advised that sufficient amount of phosphorus should be provided to prevent issues with fertility.
Magnesium
Magnesium is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system, several enzyme systems, and appropriate bone formation. It facilitates the rumen’s fibre breakdown. To keep up the normal milk production during the early stages of infant feeding, high magnesium levels are necessary. Due to its antagonistic relationship with calcium, magnesium may have a secondary impact on reproductive health. Additionally, any disruption to the equilibrium of Ca-P-Mg can trigger reproductive issues. Heifers can avoid udder oedema by being fed 18 mg of magnesium oxide five to six weeks before they give birth. A general loss of appetite can be followed by a magnesium deficiency that results in decreased reproductive efficiency.
Potassium
Feeding heifers excessive amounts of potassium may cause them to experience delayed ovulation, delayed puberty, delayed corpus luteum development, and an increased risk of anestrous behaviour. Cows fed high K levels or diets with an excessively wide K-Na ratio showed decreased fertility.
Sulphur
In cows, sulphur helps with the utilisation of nitrogen and protein. Sulphur insufficiency can cause decreased digestibility, decreased milk output and decreased feed intake. It is important in close up dry cow rations to help prevent milk fever.
Sodium Chloride
Deficiencies of salt can impact a cow’s ability for reproduction indirectly by affecting how effectively she digests feed. Sodium chloride regulates nerve transmission and aids in the preservation of the body’s fluid equilibrium. Salt supplementation is particularly crucial when there is heat stress. A salt craving, an appetite loss, stunted growth, a haggard appearance, a rough hair coat, and decreased milk supply are all signs of deficiency of salt.
Buffaloes and high producing calves are much susceptible to Na deficiency since it reduces milk yield and fat content.
Conclusion
Animals’ mineral requirements depend on their age, breed, species, and physiological states. It is essential to supplement with minerals in order to achieve regular development and production requirements. Numerous recent studies have examined the need for minerals in immunity and reproduction. But when it comes to feeding reproductive animals, factors like mineral interactions, toxicities, and bioavailability from various sources need to be considered. Animal’s reproductive health has been found to be influenced by deficiencies or toxins. Mineral’s beneficial significance in helping animal regain fertility and follicular activity. Thus, we must provide the animal with the necessary amounts of minerals in order to reduce the risk of reproductive failure and other reproductive problems. As a result, minerals help in animal development, health and reproduction.
