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Minerals are an essential component of livestock rations, directly influencing health, growth performance, and reproduction. Mineral imbalances, even when moderate, can generate significant performance losses. European technical assessments indicate that deficiencies of macroelements such as calcium and phosphorus can reduce average daily gain by 5–7%, while excesses may impair digestibility and negatively affect locomotor health.
In dairy cattle farms, the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is crucial for preventing metabolic disorders, especially during the transition period. Imbalances can lead to decreased production and an increased incidence of reproductive problems. In pigs, deficiencies of microelements such as zinc and copper negatively affect the development of young animals and increase susceptibility to digestive disorders.
Farms that conduct periodic feed analyses and adjust mineral supplementation according to the production stage achieve more stable results. In Romania, the differences between operations using standard formulations and those adapting rations are clearly reflected in both performance and costs. For 2025, precise mineral management will become a key factor for farms aiming to optimize productivity without increasing total expenditures.
(Photo: Freepik)