MINERALS

Minerals are specific elements inorganic compounds in plants and animal tissues. In compound feed apart from the contribution from feed ingredients, supplementation with additional quantities of certain minerals is a common practice. Minerals are micronutrients and are required by the chicken in very small quantities. In excessive quantities some minerals may have adverse effects.

Minerals do not require any digestion or breakdown prior to their absorption from the digestive tract; following absorption minerals are available for immediate use for participation in physiological and metabolic functions.

Minerals are essential for life since they are an integral part of many biochemical reactions in the body to sustain life.

Minerals such as calcium, phosphorous and magnesium are essential as structural components in building and maintaining the skeleton.

Minerals such as sodium, chloride and potassium are essential for maintaining osmotic balance in tissues and therefore are commonly referred to as homeostatic minerals.

Minerals are required for cellular activity and water distribution in the tissues.

Trace minerals such as manganese, zinc, iron, iodine, copper, cobalt and selenium are essential for specific enzyme functions in biochemical reactions.