Sheep - AgRIS

Sulphur
Sulphur is contained in amino acids methionine and cystine which are present in some
proteins. Wool contains about 4 per cent sulphur present in these amino acids; Apparently
elemental sulphur can be utilized in small amounts but organic sources are of most significance
in the usual rations of sheep.
Iron, copper, and cobalt
These minerals are associated in some ofthe body functions. Iron is an important part ofthe
blood. Copper and cobalt are related in some way to the formation of blood. A lack of any one
or more ofthese minerals results in a decline in the red blood cells and in the hemoglobin
andthe development of a nutritional anemia. Cobalt is a constituent of vitamin B 12 and for the
synthesis of this vitamin by rumen bacteria. Cobalt deficiencies have been reported in several
areas. The symptoms of cobalt deficiency are rather non-specific being similar to those of
general malnutrition. The condition is often called "salt-sick," "bush sickness," or "pining." It
has been suggested that a cobalt deficiency depresses the appetite and thus causes the
deficiency syndrome. Diagnosis depends on the response of the animal to cobalt feeding. A
lack of cobalt or copper can be corrected by using cobalt chloride followed by per sulphate.
Manganese and zinc
The requirement are normally met in ample quantities in pastures or other feeds.
Mineral supplements
There are circumstances when the use of mineral supplements may be advisable. It is
assumed that only 35 to 50 per cent of the minerals of the ration are used by the animals, and
hence two or three times the theoretical requirement is therre recommended. The producer can
afford to be liberal, as the cost is usually rather low; but minerals are of no value except to
correct deficiencies, since they do not stimulate production above a normal level, and their
value depends solely upon the extent to which the lack is made good. The practice of including
in commercial mixtures many more components than are necessary only increases the costs
without improving the effectiveness. Commercial mixtures may be eaten in large amounts
because of the inclusion of certain condiments, but the amount eaten is n,ot necessarily a
criterion of need or value. The real test depends if one secures better health, more rapid growth,
increased efficieny, and greater production of the sheep.
Mineral poisoning
Some miner,als are poisonous to sheep. In some areas in the western region selenium
occurs to such an extent in some feeds that a disease known as "alkali disease" is caused by it.
Affected animals may lose their coats, become lame, lose their apetites, and finally die.
However, if affected animals are fed on feeds free of selenium, recovery may be expected.
Flourine
Fluorine is apparently not contained in plants to a harmful extent; but, if minerals, such as
raw rock phosphate, that contain significant amounts of fluorine are fed, the animals may show
the effects by a discoloration and softening of the teeth and bones.
Other minerals such as the lead of paints or of spray materials are poisonous, and suitable
precautions should be taken to kvep animals away from them to avoid losses.
vi) Vitamins
Vitamins are metabolically essential. A general knowledge of the vitamins and their
importance in nutrition, including the conditions under which deficiencies may occur and how
to prevent them by the use of suitable feeds, is necessary for continued success in sheep
feeding. ln sheep some vitamins are synthesized in their tissues and some by micro-organisms
in their gastro-intestinal tract. Fortunately, the development of deficiencies to the extent where
they cause serious losses in sheep are apparently rare. At present it has not been fully
established whether all of the known vitamins are essential in the diet of sheep. The two which
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