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Micro mineral function, deficiency and toxicity symptoms. (Source: Ensminger, M.D., Oldfied, J.E. and Heinemann, W.W. 1990.
| Mineral | Function | Deficiency Symptoms | Toxicity Symptoms |
| Cobalt (Co) | Used with Vitamin B12 growth of rumen bacteria | Same as Vitamin B deficiency, reduced growth, loss of appetite | Unlikely to be toxic. |
| Copper (Cu) | Hemoglobin formation, enzyme systems hair developement, bone developement | Curly pale hair coat, straight hair, swollen joints, bone fragility, lameness. Can be brought on by high Molybdenum and Sulfur levels | Accumulates in the liver, causing death. |
| Iodine (I) | Required by thyroid to reproduce thyroxin (a hormone which controls metabolism) | Goiter (swollen neck), stillbirths | Chronic: may result in reduced iodine absorption by thyroid gland. |
| Iron (Fe) | Part of hemoglobin transports oxygen. | Lethargy, fewer red cells in blood samples, lower hemoglobin levels. | May interfere with phosphorus absorption in bone, may increase copper requirement. |
| Manganese (Mn) | Normal bone formation, growth and reproduction, involved in enzyme systems (amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism) | Poor growth, lameness, enlarged / swollen joints, knuckling over in calves, reduced reproductive levels. | Not known to be toxic. |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | stimulates rumen microorganisms, enzyme processes. | Not usually a concern. | Excess Molybdenum can interfere with copper metabolism, increasing copper requirements. |
| Selenium (Se) | Prevents degeneration of liver in cattle. Part of glutathion peroxidase (anti-stress effects). | Muscle dystrophy (white muscle disease), stiffness, lethargy. | Related to Vitamin E, "Blind Staggers (alkalai disease)" emaciation, hair loss, sloughing of hooves, lameness, blindness, anemia, paralysis |
| Zinc (Zn) | Involved in enzyme systems for protein synthesis, metabolizm and insulin development | Reduced appetite, stunted growth, poor reproductive performance, Rough skin (Parakeratosis) and poor hair. | Reduced Calcium absorption, interferes with copper metabolism, may increase copper requirement. |