Oorsig/Review
Potential effects and interactions of
oxidative stress and trace minerals on semen
quality of bulls
Dr GM Ferreria (BVSc. M.Med Vet Bov)
Introduction.
Cattle farmers put considerable effort into
managing the cow herd's nutrition, but the bulls
may not receive as much attention, especially
during the off-season. Male fertility is an
important factor in bovine reproduction as a
single bull is generally used to breed several
cows.
body maintain normal physiological function
and carry out various enzyme reactions and
metabolic processes. Trace minerals are required
Trace Minerals
The reproductive performance of cattle may
be influenced by several factors, but mineral
imbalances are crucial in terms of direct effects on
reproduction. Correcting an imbalance in mineral
levels can improve reproductive performance
with little additional cost.
Trace minerals are inorganic compounds that
are needed in small amounts by the body, they
do not provide calories and therefor do not
supply the body with energy, but they help the
6
Diagrammatic indication of antagonistic reactions in the
digestive tract of ruminants.