What type of minerals are calcium and phosphorus considered for hogs?

Calcium and phosphorus are classified as macro minerals because they are required by hogs in relatively large amounts compared to trace minerals, which are needed in smaller quantities. Macro minerals play crucial roles in skeletal development, metabolic processes, and overall health in swine.

Calcium is essential for bone formation, muscle function, and nerve signaling, while phosphorus is vital for energy transfer through ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and also plays a significant role in bone mineralization. The dietary balance of these macro minerals is important for optimal growth and production in hogs.

In contrast, trace minerals, including elements like zinc, copper, and selenium, are needed in much lower concentrations and have specific functions within metabolic pathways. Micro minerals, another term sometimes used interchangeably with trace minerals, focus on these same trace elements. Finally, essential vitamins are organic compounds needed in minute amounts for various physiological functions but are not classified as minerals. Thus, the focus on macro minerals accurately reflects the substantial requirements for calcium and phosphorus in hog nutrition.