What are Macro and Micro Minerals?

What are Macro and Micro Minerals?

Macro minerals and micro minerals, also known as trace minerals, are both essential minerals that your chickens need in different quantities.

Macro minerals are required in larger amounts, usually more than 100 milligrams per day. Examples of macro minerals include calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. On the other hand, micro minerals or trace minerals are required in smaller amounts, typically less than 100 milligrams per day. Examples of micro minerals include iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Why is this so good for my chickens?

Great question! LitChicks’ is made of a naturally calcified seaweed (Calcified Lithothamnium Calcareum). This plant-based daily chicken supplement has a porous cellular structure that makes its nutritional profile highly digestible for your chickens. Its mineral content is over 92% with macro and micro minerals that improve bone development & health, egg production, eggshell strength and overall wellness of your flocks.

Why are minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc and Copper so important for my flock? 

Chickens, like all animals, require a balanced diet to maintain their overall health and well-being. Just like humans, chickens need a variety of essential nutrients to support their bodily functions, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and copper play a crucial role in this regard. 

• Calcium is particularly important for chickens as it is needed for the development and maintenance of strong bones and eggshells. Calcium deficiency can lead to weak bones, soft-shelled or thin-shelled eggs, and even skeletal deformities. Providing an adequate amount of calcium in their diet ensures that chickens can grow and produce eggs with strong shells, reducing the risk of fractures and improving overall productivity.
• Iron is essential for chickens as it is involved in the production of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. It plays a vital role in energy production and immune function. Without enough iron in their diet, chickens can become anemic, leading to fatigue, weakness, and decreased egg production.
• Magnesium is another important mineral for chickens as it acts as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions. It is necessary for muscle and nerve function, as well as the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. A deficiency in magnesium can result in muscle weakness, poor growth, and reduced feed utilization.
• Manganese is a mineral that supports various enzymatic reactions in chickens and is important for bone development, reproductive health, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. A lack of manganese can lead to reduced growth rates, skeletal abnormalities, and poor eggshell quality.
• Zinc is required by chickens for proper growth, feather development, and reproductive health. It is involved in many enzymatic reactions, including those that support immune function and protein synthesis. Zinc deficiency can result in stunted growth, poor feather quality, and reduced egg production.
• Copper is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the formation of connective tissues, bone development, and the synthesis of hemoglobin. It is also involved in the pigmentation of feathers and the functioning of the nervous system. Insufficient copper levels in chickens can lead to poor growth, anemia, and neurological disorders.

Providing a balanced diet that includes these essential nutrients is crucial for supporting their skeletal structure, eggshell production, red blood cell formation, muscle function, immune response, and overall growth and development.