Significance of Nickel in Livestock Health and Production

Nickel is an emerging essential trace element. The essentiality of nickel is now generally accepted, based on the various symptoms caused by nickel deficiency in different animals. It is found in highest concentrations in lung, kidney and some hormone-producing tissues. Alteration in nickel concentration affects the production and action of some hormones like prolactin, adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone. Within cells, nickel changes membrane properties and influences oxidation/reduction systems. It has great affinity for cellular structures like chromosomes and ion channels. This element is also important for proper functioning of the immune system. In animals, nickel deficiency has been associated with depressed growth, reduced reproductive rates and alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism whereas nickel toxicity induces embryo-toxic, teratogenic and cancerogenic effects.