Physiological importance of minerals in farm animals: A review

Authors and affiliations

Jahan Zaib Ahmed^1*, Shoro MA, Shar AR, Abro SA, Junaid MB, Soomro MS

1. ¹ Department of Veterinary Physiology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, 70060, Pakistan

* Corresponding author: Jahan Zaib Ahmed

Minerals are essential modulators of the physiology of farm animals. Most important for the structure, maintenance of membrane potentials and fluid balance, for muscle contraction and transport of oxygen or for being part of enzymes, hormones and antioxidant systems. The effects are dependent on the amount of absorption and not just the concentration in the diet. Availability and response are modified by solubility, gastrointestinal factor, antagonist, endocrine control, tissue reserve, physiological stage and species. Macro-minerals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulphur and trace minerals iron, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, iodine, cobalt, chromium and molybdenum are summarized in a short review. A special focus is put on the interaction of minerals in ruminants, the low margin of safety for copper in sheep, electrolyte loss in horses, mineralization of skeleton in poultry and the restriction of serum diagnosis. There is evidence for a targeted approach where the whole diet and water is analyzed, species specific requirements applied and supplementation monitored by storage and functional biomarkers. It should be possible to avoid deficiency or excess with precision feeding and also to minimize losses from the environment of minerals.

Keywords: Ruminants; Skeleton; Biomarkers; Environment; Species

Published:

2026-09-01

Volume and issue:

Volume 1, Issue 1

Pages:

38-44

Article ID:

IJVBS-V1I1P109

Ahmed JZ, Shoro MA, Shar AR, Abro SA, Junaid MB, Soomro MS. Physiological importance of minerals in farm animals: A review. Int J Vet Biol Sci. 2026;1(1):38-44.

© 2026 the authors. Published by the International Journal of Veterinary and Biological Sciences. This article is distributed under a CC BY 4.0 licence. Read the copyright and licensing policy.