Older animals fed inadequate amounts of vitamin D develop osteomalacia, the symptoms of which are weak and easily fractured bones. Animals having diets low in Ca and P will show a drop in milk production. If possible add the proper amounts of Ca and P to cattle diets, or feed it free choice. The hydrochloric acid found in the stomach contains chlorine. It is also required in a number of enzyme reactions in carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis.
Forages normally contain more than adequate amounts of potassium.
Supplemental potassium may be necessary for high-grain feedlot diets. Cattle fed on lush, immature pasture may have a low level of Mg in the blood, which can result in grass tetany, a disease characterized by convulsions, twitching of muscles, staggering gait and falling. It is involved in protein, fat and carbodydrate metabolism as well as blood clotting and the maintenance of proper body fluid acidity. Most feeds contain adequate amounts of S for cattle. Supplemental S may be necessary when non-protein nitrogen sources are being utilised in high grain feedlot diets.