Role of Trace Minerals in Animal Reproduction
Charu Roat1, 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
Even though trace elements are only slightly needed (less than 100 mg/kg dry matter), they are essential for the immune system, oxidative metabolism, and energy metabolism in ruminants—all of which are either directly or indirectly related to growth, production, and reproduction.
Scientists, veterinarians, feed manufacturers, and producers all have a keen interest in the use of trace minerals in animal husbandry. An adequate intake and absorption of trace minerals are necessary for multiple metabolic processes, such as the immune system’s reaction to harmful pathogens, reproduction, and growth. Strategies for supplementing with minerals rapidly become
difficult because, in order to achieve optimal production in contemporary animal production systems, variations in the trace mineral status of all cattle and avian species are essential. Animals continue to develop and reproduce, but at a slower rate, in subclinical or marginal deficiencies, which may be a bigger issue than acute mineral shortages because there aren’t often obvious clinical symptoms to alert producers to the deficiency. Animal immunity and enzyme activities are first affected when their trace mineral status drops; this is followed by a decrease in their maximum growth and fertility; and lastly, normal growth and fertility declines before a clinical deficit is evident. To keep animals in a sufficient trace mineral state, a balanced diet and absorption are essential.
Copper
Since copper is one of the minerals that is essential to reproduction, deficiencies in it have been linked to low fertility brought on by delayed or depressed oestrus, early embryonic death and resorption of the embryo, increased chances of retained placenta and placenta necrosis. Furthermore, adequate copper supplementation is necessary for the formation of high-quality semen. It has been claimed that copper treatment increases the rate of conception, since a copper-treated cow requires one service per conception, while an untreated cow requires average 1.15 services.
Cobalt
A crucial part of the production of vitamin B12 is played by cobalt. Milk and colostrum have significant levels of vitamin B12, which is necessary for the metabolism of folic acid and the conversion of propionate into glucose. Reduced fertility and poor foetal conditioning are the results of cobalt deficiency. Longer uterine involution, variable oestrus cycles, reduced conception rates, and early calf death are all consequences of dairy animal insufficiency. Vitamin B12 deficit will result from a cobalt deficiency. Iodine, zinc, and manganese may lessen cobalt insufficiency.
Selenium
A slight selenium shortage during pregnancy causes abortion and the birth of weaker, calves. Studies show that taking supplements containing selenium lowers the risk of metritis, mastitis, cystic ovaries, and retained placentas. Due to its direct correlation with uterine involution, selenium is a crucial dietary mineral. Subclinical selenium deficiency in dairy cattle can lead to delayed ovulation, greater services per conception, and a high incidence of mastitis, all of which can impair reproductive function. Selenium increases the activity of glutathione peroxidase in blood and tissues, which contributes to improved reproductive efficiency. When selenium is administered as either organic or inorganic food, it passes the placenta with ease. Supplementing with selenium has been shown to increase the rate of conception at first service.
Manganese
The synthesis of cholesterol, which is required for the synthesis of steroids like progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone, depends on manganese. Reduced levels of these hormones in the bloodstream as a result of manganese deficiency may cause associated abnormalities in reproduction. Both male and female infertility issues are caused by deficiencies. Manganese supplementation has been shown to decrease postpartum anoestrus in dairy cows, increasing the number of services needed for each conception.
Zinc
After calving, zinc is crucial for the upkeep and repair of the uterine lining and aids in early involution. Abortion, irregular oestrous cycles, and a lower conception rate are all linked to inappropriate zinc levels. Zinc deficiency in feed is also linked to reduced litter sizes, delayed puberty, low conception rates, and unsuccessful implantation.
Iron
Adult animals rarely exhibit deficiencies since they are abundant in dietary ingredients. However, when shortages exist, anaemia, decreased appetite, and poor physical condition worsen reproductive health. There’s a good chance that an unhealthy animal , may become a repeat breeder, animal will need more services for each conception, and foetus perhaps even abort.
Iodine
Reproduction is impacted by iodine because of its effects on the thyroid gland. It is believed that iodine is necessary for both the developing foetus and the maintenance of the basal metabolic rate. Iodine deficiency has an impact on fertility and raises the risk of abortion, retained placenta, and postpartum uterine infections. Reduced ovarian activity and conception rate are associated with compromised thyroid function. The symptoms of subclinical iodine insufficiency include longer gestation periods, decreased oestrous, an increased risk of retained placentas, and an increase in stillbirths.
Chromium
It plays a part in gametogenesis and good foetal growth because it is more abundant in nuclear protein. It is also a crucial component of the pregnancy-specific protein generated by the endometrium of the uterus, which aids in delaying the death of embryos at an early stage. An irregular oestrous cycle, delayed ovulation, early embryonic death, and impaired foetal growth are all consequences of chromium deficiency. It may make nursing animals more susceptible to ketosis and reduced milk production.
Molybdenum
Animals lacking in molybdenum experience anestrus, a delayed onset of puberty, and a decreased rate of conception. Copper and molybdenum are related to one another because potentially dangerous concentrations of one might result in a lack of the other. Therefore, to prevent reproductive issues, feeding copper and molybdenum in the right amounts must be done.
Conclusion
To enhance effectiveness and production, a well-coordinated program involving diet, health care, and management is needed. Animals need trace elements for a variety of metabolic processes, and proper consumption of balanced trace minerals is necessary for maximum performance and productivity. Immunity and enzyme function are weakened when an animal’s trace mineral status drops from sufficient to marginal, which is followed by a loss of function and reproduction. Trace mineral nutrition is still of interest for research and production applications, but we must feed animals with enough amounts of the minerals they need to prevent the risk of reproductive failure and other reproductive diseases.
