What can a proper balance of minerals in livestock diets help support?

A proper balance of minerals in livestock diets is essential for several physiological functions, making it vital for overall animal health and productivity. Specifically, minerals play a crucial role in enzyme functions, which are pivotal for numerous metabolic processes in the body. Enzymes require various minerals as cofactors to catalyze biochemical reactions effectively. Additionally, adequate mineral intake directly impacts overall reproductive health. Certain minerals, such as zinc and selenium, are known to support fertility and reproductive performance, influencing conception rates and offspring viability.

In contrast, the other options suggest a more limited role of minerals which doesn't capture the full scope of their importance. While minerals do contribute to growth and skeletal formation, their functions extend well beyond these aspects. Furthermore, while a good mineral balance can indirectly influence feed efficiency and, consequently, feed costs, this is not its primary role, thus making "lower feed costs" an incomplete representation of the broader benefits associated with proper mineral nutrition.