Elements and Minerals: Healthy plants, healthy animals.

Livestock animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats require essential nutrients to maintain good health and productivity. One way to ensure they get these nutrients is through animal health products. These products are formulated to supplement the animal’s diet and provide them with the essential elements and minerals they need. Boron, cobalt, copper sulphate, magnesium sulphate, selenium, manganese, and zinc are some of the key animal health products used in livestock farming.

Below are some of the benefits these elements and minerals supplements can provide:

1. Boron is essential for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and joints, and it also helps to improve the animal’s immune system.
2. Cobalt is important for the production of vitamin B12, which is essential for energy metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system.
3. Copper sulphate is necessary for the production of red blood cells and is important for the animal’s immune system.
4. Magnesium sulphate is important for nerve and muscle function, and it also plays a key role in the animal’s metabolism.
5. Selenium, particularly low in New Zealand soils is essential for the production of enzymes that protect cells from damage and is important for the animal’s immune system.
6. Manganese is important for bone development and the metabolism of carbohydrates,
7. Zinc is essential for wound healing, immune function, and reproductive health.

In pastoral farming systems, animal health products are not only important for the health and productivity of livestock but also for the quality of feed produced. Soil deficiencies in these essential minerals and vitamins can result in deficient feed, which can then lead to deficiencies in the animals that consume it. This can negatively impact the health and productivity of livestock. By supplementing the soil with these essential minerals and vitamins, plants can provide high-quality nutrient-dense feed for livestock. This, in turn, can improve the health and productivity of the animals, creating a positive feedback loop.

Animal health products, such as boron, cobalt, copper sulphate, magnesium sulphate, selenium, manganese, and zinc, are critical for the health and productivity of livestock. By supplementing the animal’s diet with these essential minerals and vitamins, farmers can ensure that their animals are healthy and productive, leading to increased profitability and sustainability. Additionally, supplementing the soil with these essential nutrients can improve the quality of feed produced, creating a positive feedback loop of healthy and productive livestock.