Why does an animal need the trace mineral zinc?
• Zinc is required by animals to maintain many biological functions in the body. • It is essential as an activator or a constituent of several essential enzyme systems. • It stimulates the immune system. • It increases the absorption of nutrients. • It is required for lean tissue growth and development. • Zinc is also required for the synthesis and maturation of keratin, which is an insoluble protein that is the main structural element in hair and hooves. • Zinc speeds wound healing by increasing the rate of epithelial tissue repair and maintaining cellular integrity e.g., skin, reproductive tract and intestinal lining.
