Salt: The Essence of Life
Multidisciplinary Curriculum for Students
Unit 8: Agriculture
Salt Use on Farms and Ranches
2 Class Periods
Overview
This module focuses on the role of salt and trace minerals in raising poultry, livestock and other animals. Its objective is to make students aware of the importance salt plays in animal nutrition and why it is so important in raising healthy animals.
Background
Approximately 1.7 million tons of salt are used for agricultural purposes each year. Virtually all this salt goes into animal diets, either in commercially mixed feeds or in loose or block form. Animals' need for salt varies, although research has established minimum salt requirements for each type of animal. Animals consume salt in a narrow and predictable range. This fact, well-understood by poultry and livestock producers, lets them use salt in many ways to assure maximum animal growth, reproduction and profitability.
Getting Ready
Time: 2 class periods
Materials
Video "Trace Mineral Salt: It Doesn't Cost - It Pays"
Instruction
Show video and address the issues listed below as explained in the video:
Activities
1. Show video (20 Minutes).
2. Ask students - Why is it important to have salt available for poultry and livestock? Have they ever seen a salt block on a farm or in the open range?
3. Why are trace minerals added to salt?
4. What are the most common trace minerals added to agricultural salt (i.e., iodine, iron, copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc and selenium)?
5. Discuss the health problems which might occur if animals are not given the proper amount of salt in their diets.
6. After watching the video, have each student submit two questions along with the answers based on the video. This should include questions about trace minerals in agricultural salt, and the health effects of too little salt or other essential minerals.
7. Have each student write a one page report on a health problem which might occur if an animal does not eat the correct amount of salt and trace minerals. Each student should pick a different animal and present his or her findings to the class.
Assessment
Use the questions submitted after viewing the video to create a class quiz. Conclude this section by giving the quiz and later discussing the correct answers.
Conclusion
Have students present their papers to the class describing a mineral deficiency health problem of a specific animal.