Mineral nutrients in pasture species

I.S. Cornforth

Ruakura Soil and Plant Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1984, 44: 135-138

Grazing animals obtain most of the mineral nutrients they require from pasture plants. Whilst a knowledge of plant composition alone is of limited value, it is one of a series of clues which can be used to help diagnose or predict animal mineral status. Factors which influence the concentration and availability of minerals in plants are summarised in an attempt to aid the interpretation of plant analyses.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; Pastures; mineral composition; animal nutrition; trace elements

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Last Updated 03-05-1997