Table 1. Summary of functions of essential mineral elements


Element

Calcium


Phosphorus


 Function

Skeletal tissue formation.
Necessary for proper rumen microorganism
 function.
Vital electrolyte of body fluid.
Blood clotting.
Proper heart action.
Neuromuscular excitability.
Enzyme activation.
Milk production.

Skeletal tissue formation.
Component of high-energy phosphorus compounds.
Necessary for proper rumen microorganism
 function.
Vital electrolyte of body fluid.
Component in lipid metabolism.
Necessary in carbohydrate metabolism.
Constituent of nucleo-proteins.
Component of many enzyme systems.

Essential for erythropoiesis.
Component of many enzyme systems.
Proper central nervous system function.
Essential for bone tissue metabolism.
Part of certain body pigments.
Proper heart functioning.
Essential for proper rumen microorganism
 function.


Copper


Cobalt


Component of vitamin B12.
Necessary for proper rumen
 function.


microorganism


Component of hemoglobin.
Component of many enzyme system.


Sodium and Chlorine


Magnesium


Potassium


Essential buffer of cellular and extra-
 cellular fluids.
Maintenance of proper osmotic pressure of
 body fluids.

Enzyme activator.
Essential electrolyte of body fluids.
Constituent of skeletal tissue.

Principle cation of bcdy cells.
Maintain proper electrolyte balance.
Enzyme activator.


Iron