Raw material and nutrient lexicon

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Potassium

Potassium is found in animal cells and is responsible for the osmotic pressure of the cell sap. It influences the state of cell proteins and the excitability of cells. Potassium is also involved in the activation of various enzyme systems and promotes the storage of glycogen in the liver. Potassium is readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and excreted in the urine when in excess. This process is controlled by hormones of the adrenal and pituitary glands. In case of digestive disorders, considerable potassium losses can occur with the faeces. In the case of excessive potassium administration, the absorption of magnesium is reduced. This leads to functional disorders in the muscles and circulation. Potassium deficiency symptoms are extremely rare, as usual feed rations generally cover the requirement safely. Rich in potassium are farm-grown feeds such as beet, clover hay, lucernehay, meadow hay, pasture grass and maize silage. Mixed feed componentssuch as cereal bran and oil meals (e.g. sunflower meal, soya meal, rapeseed meal) also contain quantities of potassium that reliably cover the requirement. A special supplementation of the feed with potassium from mineral sources is therefore not necessary. Only dogs need a feed supplement with mineral potassium (potassium salts obtained from rocks - e.g. sylvin, carnallite, kainite) due to their high daily potassium requirement.