Nutrition for deer is important for their health as well as the growth for their bone structure, body mass, and antler growth. Deer normally get their minerals from the forage they eat however at times their food doesn't have all the minerals they need. Therefore the use of mineral licks or use of salt formulations, generally provides the nutrition that's been vacant in their diet.
There are multiple minerals that are important for deer and their development. Those minerals are divided into two categories, macro and micro-nutrients. Each macro and micro-nutrient are listed below:
Macro-nutrients Micro-nutrients
1. Calcium 1. Iron
2. Phosphorus 2. Cooper
3. Potassium 3. Zinc
4. Magnesium 4. Manganese
5. Sodium 5. Iodine
6. Selenium
7. Cobalt
Macro-nutrients are just what they say they are, nutrients that's needed in large amounts for proper growth and maximum physical attributes. Calcium is a macro-nutrient and is needed in large amounts for deer and their diet. It's absorbed into to the blood through the small intestines. It combines with phosphorus which is also a macro-nutrient. The combination of these two form a hard crystal like substance that helps develop the latticework which strengthens the growth of antlers, bones, and teeth.
Since antlers are composed of 20% calcium and 10% phosphorus, deer needs a diet that has a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus. These ratios are found in salt. Biologist recommend using a salt that has a concentration of 16% calcium and 8% phosphorus. Salt comes in forms of a lick blocks or salt formulations. Lick blocks are put out for deer to lick so they can get there recommended sodium and phosphorus. However the salt formulation are like granules that needs to be applied to the soil. The application of salt onto the US soil is a good way of putting those minerals/nutrients into the soil which all soils are lacking. This leads to the absorption of calcium and phosphorus as the vegetation grow and pull the nutrients out of the soil. The salt is then eaten by deer which then provides the deer with the right amount of calcium and phosphorus concentration. Knowing these things will give you the insight and knowledge on how to help develop that prized buck by making those nutrients readily available for consumption. Remember, the greater the consumption, the greater the size of deer and his antlers.
Potassium is another macro-nutrient that is essential for deer growth and development. It is important for proper pH balance and healthy digestion. Healthy digestion provides the deer with maximum amount of nutrients so it achieves it maximum growth potential. Potassium is essential in contract-ability as well as excitability of muscle function. This causing greater mass and density of muscles which correlates with their weight and size. Potassium is also essential in the excitability of nerves and how they respond effectively between muscle and nerves. It's also important in forming electrolytes within their body which make up a deer's body fluid.
Magnesium is another macro-nutrient. It is crucial in aiding with calcium absorption in the body. The two together are important for giving deer strong teeth and bones. Magnesium also aids in turning food into energy for functional activity. Magnesium assists in the transmission of electrical impulses for nerves and muscles, which works in conjugation with potassium. This in fact aids in the excitability of nerves stimulating muscle function and growth. This plays a huge factor into the size and strength of a mature deer.
The last element of the macro-nutrients is sodium which is a carrier for the trace minerals. It plays a major role of nerve impulses transmission as well as muscle contraction. It's also used in the maintenance of heart activity.
Adequate sodium helps with the absorption of amino acids and monosaccharides ( it's the simplest form of sugar that's the easiest form of sugar to digest) in the small intestines which is important for muscle growth, excitability and function of body activities. Animals have a greater appetite for sodium and chloride than any other mineral. Sodium and chloride are elements that forms the compound salt. This is where a salt block or salt formulations comes in handy to place on your property to attract more deer and to help develop those above characteristics.
In conclusion, these five macro-nutrients play major roles in developing large physical attributes. Which are very attractive to you as a hunter. If you know what minerals and nutrients can help develop that "big buck" then you know what foods to make accessible for deer consumption. My next article will further discuss how micro-nutrients play a major role in deer development and function, as well as a conclusion that ties the macro and micro-nutrients together.
We have the best selection of hunting bows and accessories on the internet. Click here to view our products, http://huntingbowsconnection.com/
Heath Hylton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heath_K_Hylton
