Digestibility of nutrients in the calves' diet depending on the level of selenium and cobalt asparaginate nanoparticles

Abstract

Due to the uneven distribution of minerals in the soil, the territory of the Russian Federation is divided into biogeochemical provinces. The Saratov region is deficient in cobalt, selenium is at the lower limit of the norm. The article examines the influence of a mineral feed additive consisting of nanoparticles of selenium and cobalt aspartate (OMEK-Co) on the digestibility of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates by calves when drinking milk. The authors established a reliable and positive effect of the studied feed additive on the digestibility and assimilability of nutrients. The increase in digestibility coefficients in calves of the experimental groups is associated with the intake of selenium and cobalt in the body in quantities that provide the required level for growth and development, since all other factors of feeding and housing conditions were the same.