Ensuring dairy cows receive a balanced diet with appropriate levels of minerals is essential for optimal production, health, and reproductive efficiency.

Macro minerals

Calcium

• Required for milk production
  • 2.5 grams of calcium per 1 liter of milk produced
• Essential for muscle contraction including the heart and smooth muscles of the rumen, digestive tract, and reproductive tract.
• Structural component of bones and teeth
• Important in regulating energy metabolism, especially in high producing cows
• Plays role in muscle coordination and brain function

Magnesium

• Involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.
• Crucial for proper muscle function
• Is essential for maintaining milk quality (minor component of milk)
• Involved in the regulation of the immune response, helping cows resist disease and infections.

Phosphorous

• Crucial component in the primary energy carrier in cells.
  • It is essential for energy transport and storage in metabolic processes.
• Major component in bone and teeth structure.
• Plays a role in milk production and quality (especially with regards to milk protein)
• Important for normal reproductive function
  • Ensures regular estrous cycles and healthy conception rates
• Buffer system

Sodium

• Ensures proper hydration and prevents dehydration
• Enables muscle contraction and relaxation, crucial for movement and various bodily functions.
• Aids in absorption of other minerals and nutrients in the digestive tract.

Trace minerals

      Copper

• Crucial for a robust immune system
• Important component of hoof formation.
• Helps with red blood cell production and efficient iron metabolism.
• Important component of biological reactions including energy metabolism, antioxidant defence, and connective tissue formation.
• Supports growth in calves and structural integrity in adult cows.
• Important for healthy pregnancies, calving, and supports fetal development

Zinc

• Major component of 300 enzymes involved in numerous biological processes.
• Crucial in development and function of the immune system.
• Supports the growth and maintenance of strong hooves.
• Essential for maintaining udder health
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of skin, hooves, and reproductive organs
• Important in calf growth and development especially skeletal development.
• Plays a role in supporting normal estrous cycles and improving conception rates.

Selenium

• Key component in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
  • Protects cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, therefore contributing to overall cell health and function.
• Essential in maintaining a healthy strong immune system
• Helps maintain udder health and reduces incidence of mastitis.
• Critical for reproductive health.
• Reduces incidence of retained placentas
• Supports thyroid health which is essential for maintaining energy balance and metabolic health.

Cobalt

• Component required for the synthesis of vitamin B12 by rumen microorganisms.
• Important in energy metabolism.
• Helps maintain appetite and feed intake

Iodine

• Crucial component of thyroid hormones which regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
• Important for reproductive health and healthy estrous cycles.
• Has antibacterial properties.

Vitamins

Vitamin A

• Supports integrity and fuction of epithelial tissue, which is the body’s first line of defence against infections.
• Important for embryonic development and healthy pregnancies.
• Adequate vitamin A levels con influence the milk fat content
• Is an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and damage.

Vitamin D

• Essential for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorous from the diet.
• Supports calcium metabolism which maintains adequate calcium levels in milk.
• Proper vitamin D levels helps prevent milk fever.
• Plays a role in modulating the immune system
• Supports the health of cows during calving.

Vitamin E

• Powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage, therefore preventing cellular damage which can be beneficial for overall health and longevity.
• Supports a healthy immune system by enhancing the function of immune cells.
• Essential for maintaining udder health
• Support proper ovarian function and the health of the reproductive organs.
• Supports muscle health and function.

Disclaimer

The information, advice, and recommendations provided by Graincorp Animal Nutrition New Zealand are intended to be general in nature and are provided for informational purposes only. As such, GrainCorp makes no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of any information, advice, or recommendations provided. Please always seek advice from your nutritionist or veterinarian if you are unsure this is relevant to your situation.