Newer Trace Elements for Ruminants

The essentiality of minerals has been well-recognized in different classes of animals. Minerals are essential for various physiological functions leading to an improved production and health, while mineral deficiency often leads to specific disease conditions in ruminants. Of late—in addition to established minerals—a new category of trace minerals named “newer trace elements” comprising of chromium, boron, lithium, nickel, silicon, strontium, and vanadium has emerged. Interestingly, these are found to have roles in impacting growth, production, reproduction, antioxidant status, and immune responses of animals. However, till date, the biochemical roles of these elements are not fully understood. Furthermore, compelling research satisfying the basic definition of mineral essentiality are limited, which otherwise states a mineral to be essential only if its deficiency would lead to the death of the subject as minerals are not synthesized in the body. Therefore, there is a need for further exploration of these minerals for overall health benefits, longevity, and welfare of animals along with revision of criteria determining their essentiality. Additionally, most of the benefits observed have been inconsistent, and the inclusion rate for supplementation has not been clearly established and therefore, needs standardization before drafting any practical recommendation in ruminant nutrition. This chapter aims to update the nutritional significance of newer trace elements from the published literature as relevant to ruminant production and serves as a guide for future investigations on this aspect of mineral nutrition.