Functions

·       Supports thyroid health

·       Protects cells from damage by acting as a powerful antioxidant

·       Aids in DNA synthesis

·       Reproduction

·       Aids in immune function

Sources

·       meat

·       poultry

·       eggs

·       wholegrains

Symptoms of deficiency or toxicity

·       fatigue

·       weakened immune system

·       muscular weakness/stiffness

·       poor growth and development

·       reduced fertility

Relevant in and needed for ruminant digestive systems such as giraffe, deer, gazelles and antelopes

Sources Dark leafy greens, chickpeas

Symptoms of a deficiency fatigue, weakness

Functions:

·      Maintaining fluid balance in the body

·      To regulate blood volume and pressure in the body

Sources

·      Meat

·      Poultry

·      Fish

·      Eggs

·      Some forages like kelp

Symptoms of sodium deficiency include:

·      Lethargy

·      Muscle weakness

·      Loss of appetite

Symptoms of sodium toxicity include:

·      Vomiting

·      Seizures

·      Muscle tremors

·      Increased thirst

Commonly found in:

·      Swine

·      Cattle

·      Dogs

·      Poultry

·      Deer

. Herbivores

• contributes to various processes, including bone and teeth formation, calcium and potassium metabolism, and enzyme function

• sources include seeds like pumpkin seeds, and vegetables like spinach

• deficiency symptoms: nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and appetite loss; can progress to muscle weakness, heart arrhythmia and other more sever symptoms if not treated

• toxicity symptoms: diarrhoea, heart issues, muscle weakness, respiratory issues

• ruminant species, such as giraffes and bovines, are at a higher risk of hypomagnesemia (deficiency) than monogastric species due to being less effective at absorbing it (source: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders-of-magnesium-metabolism/overview-of-disorders-of-magnesium-metabolism-in-animals)

Source 1: 🍌 & Hay

Source 2: Dougherty, C., Wells, K., Mitchell, G., & Wells, K. (1995). UKnowledge Sodium in Pasture Species and Grazing Livestock COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE ronomynoleB Sodium in Pasture Species and Grazing Livestock©. Agronomy Notes, 28(5). https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1032&context=pss_notes

Symptoms of deficiency or toxicity:

• Deficiency:

  • Vomiting, Lethargy, Lack of appetite, Weight loss, Muscle pain, loss of muscle mass.

• Toxicity:

  • Muscle/nerve/heart dysfunction, including weakness, collapse, muscle tremors, flaccid paralysis, heart rate abnormalities

Sources, animal products such as: insects, fish, meat, and eggs

Symptoms and deficiencies, neurological damage, visual impairment, muscle weakness.

This is relevant with Ring-tailed Lemurs because they do not get enough b12 from pelleted food and need to eat insects to get a full amount or to be supplemented.