Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Major Inorganic Elements of Plants and Animals
Which of the following statements is/are true?
(a) Major inorganic elements of plants are potassium and silicon.
(b) Major inorganic elements of animals are calcium and phosphorus.
- Only (a) is true
- Only (b) is true
- Both (a) and (b) are true — Correct Answer
- Neither is true
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Both (a) and (b) are true
Both statements correctly describe the dominant inorganic mineral composition:
- Plants: Major inorganic elements are Potassium (K) and Silicon (Si). Straw (especially paddy straw) is particularly rich in silica. Silicon reduces digestibility of straw by acting as a physical barrier.
- Animals: Major inorganic elements are Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P). They account for 70% of all body minerals. Bone Ca:P ratio should be 2:1.
Mineral Composition of Animal Body
- Total mineral content = 3% of body weight
- Ca: 1.33%, P: 0.74%, K: 0.19%, Na: 0.16%, S: 0.15%
Silica and Straw Digestibility
The important component that inhibits digestibility of straw is silica (not lignin as sometimes assumed) — silica coats the cell wall and blocks enzymatic access.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
