In controlled settings, what specific nutrient issue must formulated rations in captive Zebu diets ensure adequate intake of?

Trace minerals often lacking in highly leached tropical soils.

While captive environments supply high-quality hay for bulk, formulated rations are introduced to guarantee precise nutrient delivery that the wild diet might lack consistently. A critical function of these measured feeds is to compensate for deficiencies inherent in the geographical area or the basal forage provided. Specifically, captive diets must ensure adequate intake of vital trace minerals—elements such as selenium, copper, and zinc—which are often depleted or lacking in highly leached tropical soils where these animals originated. Failure to supplement these missing micronutrients can lead to compromised immunity and reproductive health issues in the managed herd.