Drought feeding is a fairly complicated procedure that takes into account the interaction between minerals in the grazed plants and animals under various veld conditions. The interactions vary from area to area, making technical knowledge essential if a farmer wants to feed more efficiently and cheaply.
The complexity of this is well illustrated by copper. Excess copper causes molybdenum deficiency and can deplete zinc in the animal’s liver. Furthermore, iron utilisation depends on copper concentration in the diet. Too much copper can increase blood iron concentration, reducing selenium levels.
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