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IODINE    I   (Target Level 1.5 - 3.0 ppm)

Iodine is vital to the soil microflorae, plants and animals. Its presence greatly affects the ability of soil bacteria to fix Nitrogen. Grass and crops grow considerably better in soils with adequate Iodine; this is probably due to the enhanced soil microbe activity. In the ruminant, Iodine plays a crucial role in the production of Thyroxine by the thyroid gland, which controls the entire metabolism. Goitre is the morbid enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by Iodine deficiency. It used to be common in the human population in parts of Britain, until the advent of iodised table salt (which, although it prevents this condition, does nothing to cure Iodine deficiency in the food chain). These days, people who work in higher than average levels of radiation, would be well advised to consume optimum levels of Iodine. This prevents the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive particles.

Iodine is another trace element that is suppressed by the excessive use of nitrogen. It is also suppressed by high levels of Manganese. This is one reason why excessive Manganese should not be put into mieral supplements and concentrated feeds.

Iodine Deficiency Symptoms in Livestock                                                

• Poor fertility
• Poor wool and hair at birth
• Poor heat detection
• Susceptibility to hypothermia (low thyroxine production)
• High neo-natal death rate
• Weak, sickly young animals
• Retained afterbirth

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Last modified: October 08, 2003