Amounts and distribution of mineral elements associated with fleece-free empty body weight gains in the grazing sheep

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Abstract
Fifty N.Z. Romneys (25 wethers and 25 ewes) grown from weaning to young adult, grazing a ryegrass/white clover pasture, were used to study the distribution of sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) among the various organs and tissues as well as the amounts associated with each kg gain in fleece-free empty body weight. Each kg gain in fleece-free empty body weight was associated with 0.92, 2.1, 0.29, 10.5, and 5.2 g of Na, K, Mg, Ca, and P respectively as well as 24, 55, 0.77, and 0.47 mg of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn respectively. The value for the fleece-free empty body Cu does not include the quantities of Cu which are stored in the liver. The mean quantities of Zn, Cu, and Mn associated with each kg of wool grown were 278, 7.1, and 3.5 mg respectively.