Water

Minerals

As many as 20 different minerals may be required in some degree for optimum bodily functioning, some in relatively large amounts and others only as trace elements. The mineral element required in the largest amount is calcium. The 2% of calcium found in the body is present primarily in the bones and teeth. Phosphorus, closely associated with calcium in bone development, makes up about 1% of the body's composition. Phosphorous in animal feed is not always biologically available to the animals.

Phosphorous in some feeds is part of the compound phytic acid and usually is not biologically available to monogastric animals. In the product fact sheets for TestDiet^® products, we have included the total level of phosphorous and the non-phytate phosphorous levels. The non-phytate phosphorous is that phosphorous which is not bound by the phytic acid and is generally considered to be the "available" phosphorous for monogastric animals. Ruminant animals can utilize the phosphorous in phytate.

Because each required mineral has its own purpose in the body, a mineral's value is not determined by the quantity needed. A trace amount of copper, for example, is essential for the metabolism of iron. If copper is not present, the iron can be stored, but it will not be utilized for hemoglobin synthesis to form the red blood cells that are necessary to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Minerals required in relatively large amounts are sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sulfur. Trace minerals include zinc, copper, cobalt, iron, iodine, manganese, chromium, selenium, fluorine, and molybdenum.

Minerals in Purified Diets

In purified diets, some trace minerals may be derived from some of the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, and fat sources). For the most part, however, each mineral is obtained from a discrete primary source allowing very close control over total vitamin content. Because of trace amounts of minerals from other ingredients, we can easily formulate a "specific-mineral-deficient" and "no specific-mineral-added" diet; but, often it is quite difficult if not impossible for us to create a totally “specific-mineral-free” diet. Even if the amounts of such mineral may be below measurable levels, we would be reluctant to certify that it was absolutely free of that specific mineral.