MILK MINERALS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20127, 21 April 1928, Page 22 (Supplement)

MILK MINERALS

EFFECT OF DEFICIENCY I Milk frqntains a considerable amount ; of mineral matter. Every 10 gallon'-’ i can contains nearly 11b. This consists ' principally of phosphorous and lime—- ! about Alb*. While some foods contain ] sufficient mineral matter for a cow ’s requirements, many do not, especially for cows producing a large quantity of rich milk, says a writer in an exchange. If foods do not contain sufficient mineral matter for the amount of milk produced, the cow will, for a time, draw the phosphate of lime from her own skeleton; then comes a breakdown in health. The mineral of which there is most commonly a deficiency is lime, and cows on the point of breaking down have immediately recovered when limewater has been provided for them to drink. Salt is an absolute necessity if cattle are to be maintained in health. From 2 to 4oz. daily per cow is required. Salt has been found very beneficial in the relief of udder troubles, and cows showing signs of mammitis have recovered when salt has been added to their food. ; Recent investigations have shown ' that the addition of very small amounts jof potassium iodide to the food has j had amazing results in various ways beneficial to the health and reproduction. There is no time to discuss this at length. Suffice it to say that potassium iodide is now included in the salt licks and mineral mixtures. It is advised by the Department of Agriculture that the following mixture should be provided for all the animals, pigs included, in boxes or troughs placed where the ahimals may have free access: Salt, 401 b; bone flour. 201 b; sulphur, 151 b; airslaked lime, 251 b; potasi sium iodide 5 ounces.