Introduction
Minerals are essential in animal feeds to ensure
optimal health, welfare and growth of animals. It is the role
of the nutritionist today to ensure that not only these indispensable
elements are provided in sufficient quantities to achieve the
most efficient performance, but also that the excretion of minerals
into the environment is minimized. This will only be achieved
through skillful feed formulation and the selection of high
quality mineral sources with a low content of undesirable substances.
Knowledge
of chemical, physical and technological characteristics as well
as safety and bioavailability parameters is, therefore, of utmost
importance in order to select the most suitable mineral sources
to meet animal requirements and minimize excretion.
This
guideline presents an overview of essential major minerals and
trace elements as well as specific minerals which are used in
animal feeds. The aim of this guideline is to present a practical
manual to assist the nutritionist and buyer in the selection
of mineral sources.
Further
information can be obtained from EMFEMA which is the EU association
of producers of feed minerals.
