Vol. 10, Special Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Anuj Singh, Ramsawroop and Sandeep Kumar

Abstract:
Nickel is an emerging probable essential trace element. Nickel is poorly absorbed by the body and is eliminated mainly in the faeces, but absorption increases during pregnancy, lactation and iron deprivation. Ni is highly mobile under acidic and oxidizing conditions. In general, plant foods are higher in Ni than foods of animal origin. Ni is an essential trace element and their deficiency has been associated with depressed growth, alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, delayed gestation period, anaemia, reduced haemoglobin and hematocrit values and alterations in the content of Fe, Cu, and Zn in liver. Ni supplementation in ruminant diets has improved growth performance and feed conversion efficiency. Ni may aid in prolactin production, and thus be involved in milk production.