Chelated Trace Minerals Research Articles

Effect of supplementation of several coated vitamins and chelated trace minerals on reducing the incidences of subclinical mastitis in crossbred cows

Two hundred and fifty five crossbred cows were selected, having a history of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM) in previous lactation. Seventy eight crossbred cows were served as control, and the remaining were fed daily 10 g supplement containing chelated Cu, Zn, Cr, vitamins E and A along with iodine for 4 weeks prior to calving. Milk and blood samples were collected for analysis of SCC, Na, K, Cl, pH, EC, neutrophil count, FRAP activity etc. Out of 177 experimental cows, only 36 (20%) showed signs of SCM and CM with Mastect strip and CMT which was confirmed by SCC in milk (average 7.26x105 cells/ml milk). However, 67 animals (86%) out of 78 in control group were affected by SCM as indicated by the higher SCC in milk (average 10.11x105 cells/ml milk), which was later aggravated to CM. Milk pH, EC, Na and Cl content in milk were higher (P is less than 0.05) in animals affected by SCM than the normal animals. In experimental group, of 141 animals SCC was within the normal range (1.22-2.36x105 cells/ml milk) and no signs of SCM or CM were observed. Milk lactose, protein, SNF and FRAP activity were higher in unaffected as compared to mastitic animals. On supplementation of vitamins and chelated minerals, blood neutrophil count decreased, whereas, immunoglobulin and FRAP activity increased significantly (P is less than 0.05). It was found that feeding vitamins and chelated minerals based supplement during pre-partum period could significantly reduce the incidences of SCM and CM in crossbred cows.

Efficacy of inorganic and chelated trace minerals (Cu, Zn and Mn) premix sources in Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) fed plant protein based diets

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of trace minerals (Cu, Zn and Mn) premixes from inorganic and chelated (chelated to 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid or hydroxy analog of methionine; Mintrex™) sources, in juvenile Pacific white shrimp, (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed plant protein based practical diets. Eight experimental diets comprising a trace minerals (Cu, Zn and Mn) deficient Basal control, and diets supplemented with the trace mineral premixes at four different levels of 2.5 (M2.5), 5 (M5), 7.5 (M7.5) and 8.5g/kg (M8.5) from chelated source and at three different levels of 5 (I5), 8.5 (I8.5) and 20g/kg (I20) from inorganic source were formulated. Eleven numbers of juvenile shrimp averaging 0.6±0.01g (mean±SD) were fed one of the eight experimental diets in triplicate groups for 8weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, shrimp fed M2.5 and I8.5 diets exhibited the similar final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) (P<0.05). Performance for Cu and Zn content in the hepatopancreas tissues and whole body showed equal efficiency of M5 compared to I8.5 diet (P<0.05). Whereas, nonspecific enzyme, CuZn super oxide dismutase (CuZn SOD) from the serum and hepatopancreas tissue was recorded to be peaked for the group of shrimp fed M5 diet. Moreover, plasma protein and glucose levels were recorded to be similar between the groups of shrimp fed M2.5 and I20 diets (P<0.05). Therefore, the present experiment demonstrated, a higher efficiency of chelated over inorganic source of trace mineral premix in Pacific white shrimp, (L. vannamei) fed plant protein based diets. Statement of relevanceThe significance of trace mineral bioavailability has become more important as the composition of majority of commercial fish feed has been changing and there is an increased use of dietary plant protein. As a result, the bioavailability of trace minerals is being adversely affected by the presence of antagonistic factor such as phytic acid in plant protein. Even though, our knowledge in fish nutrition has advanced significantly, the information on trace minerals requirement is still limited and fragmentary. Inorganic form (sulfate/nitrate) of trace mineral has traditionally been used in aquafeed formulation. However, the limited bioavailability of inorganic source of trace mineral due to its higher affinity to antinutrients has hastened the search for alternative form of inorganic trace minerals. Overall performance observed in the present experiments vouched the potential benefit of using chelated trace mineral, Cu, Zn & Mn premix in marine shrimp, Pacific white shrimp to promote the optimum growth, trace minerals saturation in shrimp body and tissue as well as to ensure the optimum enzyme activity and health of cultured shrimp. The present experiment opens a new avenue to compare the efficacy of inorganic and chelated source of trace minerals in other commercially important marine and fresh water fish species.Whereas, the sustainability issue has put a new dimension in aquafeed formulation with a wide array of new ingredients and additives, on the other hand, the importance of basic nutrient such as trace minerals is still in sideline. Substantial investment and integrated scientific efforts are warranted to bridge the knowledge gap and further improve our understandings on the significance of dietary trace mineral in fish nutrition and health at the least cost to environment.

Effect of diet supplementation with chelated zinc, copper and manganese on hoof lesions of loose housed sows.

BackgroundHoof lesions are very common among sows and have been associated with lameness, early removal and compromised welfare and productivity. Although housing conditions and management can have an external effect on hoof health status, the role of trace mineral intake is vital in developing hoof structure and integrity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a diet supplemented with organic complexes of trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn), partly substituting their inorganic form, on hoof lesions of sows in three Greek swine herds.ResultsA total of 518 sows were initially examined for hoof lesions and their respective severity was scored. For each hoof, the length of toes and dew claws were evaluated and five anatomical hoof sites, the heel, the sole, the white line, the wall and the coronary band, were examined for lesions. Subsequently, the same sows were re-scored after one or two gestations on diets supplemented with organic trace minerals, partly substituting their inorganic salt form (organic form of Zn 45 ppm, Cu 14 ppm and Mn 25 ppm of the total 125 ppm of Zn, 15 ppm of Cu and 40 ppm of Mn, respectively). The odds of the higher versus the lower lesion scores were significantly lower after than before the inclusion of the organic minerals in sows’ diet, for each of the considered foot sites with the exception of the coronary band, with a distinct effect according to foot location. Specifically, on rear feet the improvement of hoof lesions was either smaller (for heel, sole and wall) than on front feet or not significant (for white line, toe and dew claw length). Additionally, for each foot site and herd examined, after the inclusion of the organic minerals, there were more sows with either the same or lower lesion score, with the exception of the toe and the dew claw length in one of the herds.ConclusionsWithin the specific conditions in the three studied herds, our findings highlight the role of chelated trace minerals in sows’ hoof health, suggesting an applicable and rewarding intervention to prevent hoof lesions.

Bioavailability of Cu, Zn and Mn from Mineral Chelates or Blends of Inorganic Salts in Growing Turkeys Fed with Supplemental Riboflavin and/or Pyridoxine.

An 84-day feeding trial was conducted in growing turkeys to measure the bioavailability of Cu, Zn and Mn from a commercial mineral chelate and corresponding inorganic salts in composite feeds containing supplemental riboflavin (B2) and/or pyridoxine (B6). A total of 320, 28-day-old British United Turkeys (BUT) were assigned to eight dietary treatments in a 2×4 factorial arrangement comprising two trace mineral sources: chelated trace mineral blend (CTMB) and its corresponding inorganic trace minerals blend (ITMB) fed solely or with supplements of vitamin B2 (8ppm) or B6 (7ppm) or 8ppm B2+7ppm B6. Each treatment was replicated four times with 10 turkeys each. It was observed that turkeys fed with diets supplemented solely with ITMB elicited higher (P<0.05) Zn excretion than their counterparts fed with diets containing ITMB with supplements of vitamins B2 and/or B6. Manganese retention was lower (P<0.05) in turkeys fed with diets supplemented solely with ITMB than those fed with diets containing vitamins B2 and/or B6 additives. Combination of CTMB or ITMB with B6 improved (P<0.05) the concentration of Mn in the liver and Cu in the bone. It was concluded that the minerals in CTMB were more available to the animals than ITMB. Furthermore, vitamins B2 and/or B6 supplementation improved the bioavailability of the inorganic Cu, Zn and Mn in growing turkeys and tended to reduce the concentration of these trace elements in birds' excreta.

Association between chelated trace mineral supplementation and milk yield, reproductive performance, and lameness in dairy cattle

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of feeding a ration with partial replacement of chelated trace minerals (CTM; Zn, Cu, and Mn supplied as Mintrex®) compared with a ration containing only inorganic trace minerals (ITM; supplied as sulfates, carbonates, and oxides at a commercial level) on locomotion score, milk production, and reproductive performance of dairy cows in different herds. Twenty-seven dairy herds members of a dairy cooperative (La Pirenaica, La Seu d’Urgell, Spain) that fed the same total mixed ration (TMR), were enrolled in a 6-month study. Fifteen herds continued to receive the same TMR (containing ITM), and the remaining 12 herds fed the same TMR with the only difference being a partial replacement of ITM for CTM. The ITM premix provided 57ppm of inorganic Zn, 9ppm of inorganic Cu, and 27ppm of inorganic Mn, whereas the CTM premix contained 32ppm of inorganic Zn and 25ppm of chelated Zn, 3ppm of inorganic Cu and 6ppm of chelated Cu, and 17ppm of inorganic Mn and 10ppm of chelated Mn. The first month of study was used as a basal period, and then herds were exposed to dietary treatments for 5 months. The total number of lactating cows enrolled in the study was 2880. There were no differences in feed offered (24.1±0.20kg/d) or milk production (31.4±0.23kg/d) between treatments. The overall proportion of cows with a lameness score ≥3 (considered lame cows) was not different between ITM and CTM herds, but there was an interaction between treatment and month of experiment due to a numerically greater prevalence of lameness in CTM than in ITM herds during the first 2 months of study, and a lesser prevalence in the last 3 months of study. Cows in ITM herds had a greater risk of being culled due to lameness. A partial replacement of inorganic for chelated forms of Cu, Mn, and Zn (CTM) showed a greater potential for improving hoof health in herds with a relatively low prevalence of lame cows. Lastly, when considering only cows that were exposed to treatments for at least 30 days, cows in CTM herds had greater odds of becoming pregnant at first service and tended to have greater odds of becoming pregnant at second service than cows in ITM herds.

The impact of feeding supplemental chelated trace minerals on shell quality, tibia breaking strength, and immune response in laying hens

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of long-term inclusion of the trace elements zinc, copper, and manganese chelated with the hydroxy analogue of methionine on layer performance, eggshell quality, tibia breaking strength, and immune response. A total of 216 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were allocated to 6 treatments with 36 pens/treatment and 1 hen/cage using a randomized complete block design. There were 6 treatments with supplemental Zn-Cu-Mn, as follows: T1 0-0-0 ppm, T2 20-5-20 ppm as sulfates, T3 20-5-20 ppm as chelates, T4 40-10-40 ppm as sulfates, T5 40-10-40 ppm as chelates, and T6 80-10-80 as sulfates. The feeding of dietary treatments started at wk 24 pullet age and measurements of the key parameters were made from wk 44 to 80. Overall results (one-way ANOVA) indicated a significant treatment effect (P < 0.05) for shell thickness (at wk 74). Hens fed either no supplemental trace minerals (T1) or lower levels of supplemental inorganic trace minerals (ITM) (T2) had lower (P < 0.05) shell thickness when compared to high levels of sulfates (T6). Supplemental minerals as chelates at lower levels (T3) resulted in comparable (P > 0.05) response to T1 and T6 but different (P < 0.05) from T2. Factorial analysis of the data showed an improvement in shell breaking strength (P < 0.05 at wk 68), shell thickness (P = 0.08 at wk 68; P = 0.03 at wk 74), tibia breaking strength (P = 0.07) and antibody (Ab) titers to SRBCs (P < 0.05 at wk 63; 1 wk after secondary antigen challenge) in hens fed chelated trace mineral when compared to inorganic trace minerals. In summary, feeding laying hens’ diets containing supplemental chelated trace minerals showed improvements in eggshell thickness and immune response when compared to inorganic salts at specific time points measured during the latter part of the laying cycle.

Effect of supplementing certain vitamins and chelated trace minerals on reducing incidence of sub-clinical mastitis in crossbred cows

Crossbred cows (93) having a history of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM) in previous lactation were selected from 57 farms in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat. Twenty crossbred cows from 12 farms served as control, and the remaining (n=73) were fed daily 10 g supplement per animal containing coated vitamins E and A, chelated copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), along with iodine(I), for 4 weeks prior to calving. Milk samples were collected post calving on day 10, 30, 60 and 90 for analysis of somatic cell counts (SCC), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl) content, pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Blood samples were also collected for neutrophil count, measurement of immunoglobulin and ferric reduction anti-oxidant power (FRAP). The milk producers were provided with Mastect strip for weekly checkup of SCM. Out of 73 supplemented cows, only 15 (21%) showed signs of SCM and CM with Mastect strip and California mastitis test, which was confirmed by SCC in milk (average 7.26×105 cells/ml milk). However, 16 animals (80%) out of 20 in control group were affected by SCM as indicated by the SCC (average 10.11×105 cells/ml milk), which was later aggravated to CM. Milk pH, EC, Na and Cl content in milk were higher in animals affected by SCM than the normal animals. In supplemental group, SCC in 58 (79%) animals was within the normal range (1.22–2.36×105 cells/ml milk) and no signs of SCM or CM were observed. Milk lactose, protein, solids-not-fat (SNF) content and FRAP were higher in unaffected as compared to mastitis affected animals. On feeding the supplement, blood neutrophil count decreased, whereas, immunoglobulin and FRAP activity increased significantly (P&lt;0.05). The inference could be drawn that feeding a vitamins and chelated minerals based supplement 4 weeks prior to calving could significantly help in reducing the incidence of SCM in crossbred cows.

Efficacy of an equine joint supplement, and the synergistic effect of its active ingredients (chelated trace minerals and natural eggshell membrane), as demonstrated in equine, swine, and an osteoarthritis rat model

Efficacy of an equine joint supplement, and the synergistic effect of its active ingredients (chelated trace minerals and natural eggshell membrane), as demonstrated in equine, swine, and an osteoarthritis rat model

Effects of added chelated trace minerals, organic selenium, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract in horses: II. Nutrient excretion and potential environmental impact1

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that an equine diet formulated with chelated trace minerals, organic selenium, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials (DFM) and Yucca schidigera extract would decrease excretion of nutrients that have potential for environmental impact. Horses were acclimated to 100% pelleted diets formulated with (ADD) and without (CTRL) the aforementioned additives. Chelated sources of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co were included in the ADD diet at a 100% replacement rate of sulfate forms used in the CTRL diet. Additionally, the ADD diet included organic selenium yeast, DFM, and Yucca schidigera extract. Ten horses were fed the 2 experimental diets during two 42-d periods in a crossover design. Total fecal and urine collection occurred during the last 14 d of each period. Results indicate no significant differences between Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co concentrations excreted via urine (P > 0.05) due to dietary treatment. There was no difference between fecal Cu and Mn concentrations (P > 0.05) based on diet consumed. Mean fecal Zn and Co concentrations excreted by horses consuming ADD were greater than CTRL (P < 0.003). Differences due to diet were found for selenium fecal (P < 0.0001) and urine (P < 0.0001) excretions, with decreased concentrations found for horses consuming organic selenium yeast (ADD). In contrast, fecal K (%) was greater (P = 0.0421) for horses consuming ADD, whereas concentrations of fecal solids, total N, ammonia N, P, total ammonia, and fecal output did not differ between dietary treatments (P > 0.05). In feces stockpiled to simulate a crude composting method, no differences (P > 0.05) due to diet were detected for particle size, temperature, moisture, OM, total N, P, phosphate, K, moisture, potash, or ammonia N (P > 0.05). Although no difference (P = 0.2737) in feces stockpile temperature due to diet was found, temperature differences over time were documented (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the addition of certain chelated mineral sources, organic Se yeast, DFM, and Yucca schidigera extract did not decrease most nutrient concentrations excreted. Horses consuming organic selenium as part of the additive diet had lower fecal and urine Se concentrations, as well as greater fecal K concentrations.

Effects of added chelated trace minerals, organic selenium, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials and Yucca schidigera extract in horses. Part I: Blood nutrient concentration and digestibility

Effects of added chelated trace minerals, organic selenium, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials and Yucca schidigera extract in horses. Part I: Blood nutrient concentration and digestibility

Effects of added chelated trace minerals, organic selenium, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract in horses. Part I: Blood nutrient concentration and digestibility1

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that feed additives such as chelated minerals, organic Se, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract would improve nutrient digestibility when included in an equine diet. Horses (Quarter Horse geldings 4.5 to 16 yr of age; mean BW 522 kg ± 46 kg) were acclimated to 100% pelleted diets formulated with (ADD) and without (CTRL) commercially available sources of the aforementioned additives followed by a 14-d collection period of feces and urine. Chelated sources of Cu, Zn, Mn and Co were utilized versus sulfated forms, at a 100% replacement rate. No significant differences among apparent the digestibility of DM, ADF, or NDF (P= 0.665, P = 0.866, P = 0.747, respectively) were detected between dietary treatments. Likewise, no differences in apparent digestibility of Cu (P = 0.724), Zn (P = 0.256), Mn (P = 0.888), Co (P = 0.71), or Se (P = 0.588) were observed. No differences were observed in serum Cu, Mn, or Co concentrations between ADD and CTRL at acclimation or collection time points (P > 0.05). While no difference in serum Zn concentrations were observed between ADD and CTRL groups at acclimation (P > 0.05), they were statistically higher at the collection time period for horses consuming CTRL (P < 0.0001). Whole blood Se concentration was greater in the CTRL group versus the ADD group both at acclimation (P = 0.041) and collection (P = 0.005) time periods. In reference to time, serum Cu concentrations increased (P = 0.012) for animals consuming CTRL, but not ADD (P > 0.05). Serum Zn concentrations of horses consuming both ADD (P = 0.021) and CTRL (P < 0.0001) increased over time from acclimation to collection time points. No time differences (P > 0.05) were observed in serum Mn concentrations. Serum Co concentrations increased over time in horses consuming both ADD (P = 0.001) and CTRL (P = 0.021). From acclimation to collection, whole blood Se concentration increased for horses consuming CTRL (P = 0.01) but not for ADD (P > 0.05). The results of this study indicate no effect on nutrient digestibility due to the inclusion of chelated minerals, organic Se, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract for horses at maintenance.

Impact of feeding lower levels of chelated trace minerals versus industry levels of inorganic trace minerals on broiler performance, yield, footpad health, and litter mineral concentration

SUMMARY Two 54-d grow-out trials were conducted in a commercial broiler facility to determine the effect on performance, carcass yield, footpad lesions, and litter trace mineral concentrations when feeding broiler chicks diets containing reduced levels of chelated Zn-(HMTBA)2 [where HMTBA is 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid; trials 1 and 2], Cu-(HMTBA)2 (trial 2), and Mn-(HMTBA)2 (trial 2) in comparison with industry levels of the respective inorganic trace minerals (ITM). A total of 122,400 Ross 708 straight-run chicks were distributed into 8 houses with approximately 15,300 chicks per house for trials 1 and 2, with 4 replicate houses per treatment. Treatments in trial 1 consisted of 30 ppm of Zn as chelated Zn-(HMTBA)2 and 100 ppm of Zn as ZnSO4 (ITM). In trial 2, treatments consisted of 32, 8, and 32 ppm from Zn-, Cu-, and Mn-(HMTBA)2, respectively, and 100, 125, and 90 ppm of Zn, Cu, and Mn, respectively, as sulfates (ITM). Trial 1 was carried out on built-up litter, and trial 2 was on fresh litter. In trials 1 and 2, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed in performance, carcass yield, or tibia Zn over the 54-d period between treatments. On d 54 (trial 1), chicks fed diets supplemented with Zn-(HMTBA)2 had 27.3% more grade 1 and 2 paws than those fed ITM (P < 0.01). On d 54 (trial 2), the chicks fed Zn-, Cu-, and Mn-(HMTBA)2 had 23.3% more grade 1 and 2 paws than those fed ITM (P = 0.07). For trial 2, litter Zn, Cu, and Mn from birds fed Zn-, Cu-, and Mn-(HMTBA)2 were reduced by 40, 74, and 35%, respectively, compared with birds fed the respective ITM. In summary, based on the present data, commercial levels of ITM can effectively be replaced with reduced levels of Zn-, Cu-, and Mn-(HMTBA)2 without compromising bird performance while achieving a significant improvement in footpad health and a reduction in trace mineral concentrations in the litter.

Immune responses in lactating Holstein cows supplemented with Cu, Mn, and Zn as sulfates or methionine hydroxy analogue chelates

The aim of this study was to compare effects of inorganic sulfate versus chelated forms of supplemental Cu, Mn, and Zn on milk production, plasma and milk mineral concentrations, neutrophil activity, and antibody titer response to a model vaccination. Holstein cows (n=25) were assigned in 2 cohorts based on calving date to a 12-wk randomized complete block design study. The first cohort consisted of 17 cows that had greater days in milk (DIM; mean of 77 DIM at the start of the trial) than the second cohort of 8 cows (32 DIM at the start of the trial). Diets were formulated to supplement 100% of National Research Council requirements of Cu, Mn, and Zn by either inorganic trace minerals (ITM) in sulfate forms or chelated trace minerals (CTM) supplied as metal methionine hydroxy analog chelates, without accounting for trace mineral contribution from other dietary ingredients. Intake and milk production were recorded daily. Milk composition was measured weekly, and milk Cu, Mn, and Zn were determined at wk 0 and 8. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations and neutrophil activity were measured at wk 0, 4, 8, and 12. Neutrophil activity was measured by in vitro assays of chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and reactive oxygen species production. A rabies vaccination was administered at wk 8, and vaccine titer response at wk 12 was measured by both rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test and ELISA. Analyzed dietary Cu was 21 and 23mg/kg, Mn was 42 and 46mg/kg, and Zn was 73 and 94mg/kg for the ITM and CTM diets, respectively. No effect of treatment was observed on milk production, milk composition, or plasma minerals. Dry matter intake was reduced for CTM compared with ITM cows, but this was largely explained by differences in body weight between treatments. Milk Cu concentration was greater for CTM than ITM cows, but this effect was limited to the earlier DIM cohort of cows and was most pronounced for multiparous compared with primiparous cows. Measures of neutrophil function were unaffected by treatment except for an enhancement in neutrophil phagocytosis with the CTM treatment found for the later DIM cohort of cows only. Rabies antibody titer in CTM cows was 2.8 fold that of ITM cows as measured by ELISA, with a trend for the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test. Supplementation of Cu, Mn, and Zn as chelated sources may enhance immune response of early lactation dairy cows compared with cows supplemented with inorganic sources.

Effects of chelated trace minerals on growth performance, breast meat yield, and footpad health in commercial meat broilers

SUMMARY Dietary supplementation of trace minerals with a large safety margin is common practice in the poultry industry to prevent trace mineral deficiency. However, oversupplementation of inorganic trace minerals often results in poor bioavailability and low body retention, and can result in more than 90% of the dietary trace minerals being excreted into the environment. In this trial, litter mineral concentrations at the conclusion of the study had very high concentrations of Ca (2.3%), P (1.7%), Cu (150 ppm), Fe (350 ppm), Mn (420 ppm), and Zn (350 ppm). It has been demonstrated that chelated trace minerals are more bioavailable, perhaps because of reduced loss to antagonisms in the intestinal lumen compared with inorganic sources. In 2 commercial broiler trials, performance, meat yield, and footpad health associated with reducing Zn and Mn supplementation while feeding a 50:50 blend of inorganic (sulfates) and chelated forms of Zn, Cu, and Mn were tested. Birds fed the blended treatment exhibited similar or improved growth performance and similar tissue mineral storage compared with those fed the inorganic trace mineral control. In addition, chelated trace minerals improved breast meat yield and footpad health in one trial. In summary, chelated trace minerals are effective alternative trace mineral sources for satisfying the trace mineral needs of rapidly growing broilers and allowing for a reduction in dietary mineral supplementation, thereby potentially reducing the excretion of minerals into the environment.

Trace Mineral Nutrition in Poultry and Swine

Trace minerals such as zinc, copper, and manganese are essential cofactors for hundreds of cellular enzymes and transcription factors in all animal species, and thus participate in a wide variety of biochemical processes. Immune development and transcription factors in all animal species, and thus participate in a wide variety of biochemical processes. Immune development and response, tissue and bone development and integrity, protection against oxidative stress, and cellular growth and division are just a few examples. Deficiencies in trace minerals can lead to deficits in any of these processes, as well as reductions in growth performance. As such, most animal diets are supplemented with inorganic and/or organic forms of trace minerals. Inorganic trace minerals (ITM) such as sulfates and oxides form the bulk of trace mineral supplementation, but these forms of minerals are well known to be prone to dietary antagonisms. Feeding high-quality chelated trace minerals or other classes of organic trace minerals (OTM) can provide the animal with more bioavailable forms of the minerals. Interestingly, many, if not most, published experiments show little or no difference in the bioavailability of OTMs versus ITMs. In some cases, it appears that there truly is no difference. However, real differences in bioavailability can be masked if source comparisons are not made on the linear portion of the dose-response curve. When highly bioavailable chelated minerals are fed, they will better supply the biochemical systems of the cells of the animal, leading to a wide variety of benefits in both poultry and swine. Indeed, the use of certain chelated trace minerals has been shown to enhance mineral uptake, and improve the immune response, oxidative stress management, and tissue and bone development and strength. Furthermore, the higher bioavailability of these trace minerals allows the producer to achieve similar or improved performance, at reduced levels of trace mineral inclusion.

Efficacy of STEADFAST® EQUINE joint supplement in a chemically‐induced osteoarthritis rat model

The efficacy of STEADFAST® EQUINE joint supplement (SFE) was evaluated in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‐induced osteoarthritis (OA) rat model. SFE is a proprietary blend of natural eggshell membrane, chelated trace minerals and antioxidant vitamins. Seventy‐two male Wistar rats were fed either: 1) rat AIN‐93M diet, 2) As 1+ 1% SFE, or 3) As 1+ 2% SFE (n=24/trt). Rats were fed for 28 d prior to MIA injection, and treatments continued until tissue collection. Injections of MIA (0.6 mg) were administered in the right knee joints at d 0. Changes in hind paw weight distribution (HPWD) and inflammation between the arthritic and contra‐lateral control limb were used to assess joint discomfort at d 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56 post‐MIA injection. Serum biomarkers (PIIANP &amp; CTX‐II) were collected d 7, 14, 28 and 56 post‐injection. Relative to the other treatments, rats fed 2% SFE were able to bear significantly more weight on their arthritic limb on d 14 post ‐MIA injection (P &lt;0.05). Inflammation and HPWD were numerically lower than control at all but one time point. C‐teleopeptide crosslinks type II cartilage (CTXII), a marker of cartilage degradation, was decreased in rats fed 2% SFE at d 7, 14 and 28 (P&lt;0.05) &amp; decreased in rats fed 1% SFE d 28 (P&lt;0.05) relative to control. Thus, our study suggests SFE may reduce pain and decrease cartilage loss in a rat model of OA. STEADFAST® is a trademark of Novus Nutrition Brands, LLC.

Effect of dietary trace mineral concentration and source (inorganic vs. chelated) on performance, mineral status, and fecal mineral excretion in pigs from weaning through finishing.

Two hundred and sixteen weanling gilts (6.65+/-0.08 kg) were used to determine the effects of decreasing supplemental concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn, and trace mineral source (inorganic vs. chelated) on growth performance, mineral status, and fecal mineral concentrations from weaning through development. The study was conducted over three trials with 72 pigs in each trial. Gilts were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to either 1) control, 2) reduced inorganic, or 3) reduced chelated trace minerals. The control diet was supplemented with 25, 150, 180, and 60 mg/kg of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn (in sulfate forms), respectively, during the nursery phase and 15, 100, 100, and 40 mg/kg of supplemental Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn, respectively, during the growing and gilt-developer phases. Reduced inorganic and reduced chelated treatments were supplemented during all phases with 5, 25, 25, and 10 mg/kg of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn, respectively. The reduced chelated treatment supplied 50% of the supplemental Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn in the form of metal proteinates, with the remainder from sulfate forms. Performance by control pigs did not differ from pigs fed the reduced trace mineral treatments during the nursery and grower-development periods. Gain:feed was lower (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the reduced inorganic compared with those fed the reduced chelated treatment during the nursery period. Trace mineral source did not affect performance during the growing or gilt-developer phase. Plasma Zn concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity were higher (P < 0.01) in control pigs than in those receiving reduced trace minerals during the nursery and growing phases. Plasma Cu concentration and ceruloplasmin activity were generally not affected by treatment. Hemoglobin concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) for the reduced inorganic compared with the reduced chelated treatment in the nursery phase. Fecal concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn were lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed reduced trace minerals than in controls during all production phases. Fecal Zn concentration during the nursery and fecal Cu concentrations during the growing and gilt-developer phases were lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the reduced chelated compared with the reduced inorganic treatment. Results indicate that reducing the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe typically supplemented to pig diets will greatly decrease fecal mineral excretion without negatively affecting pig performance from weaning through development.

Comparative Net Absorption of Chelated and Inorganic Trace Minerals in Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Diets

AbstractCoefficients of net absorption for copper, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc were determined for chelated sources (copper proteinate, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, selenium proteinate, zinc proteinate) and inorganic sources (copper sulfate pentahydrate, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, manganese sulfate monohydrate, sodium selenite, zinc sulfate hep‐tahydrate) of these elements with channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Fish weighing approximately 60 g were placed into 40‐L aquaria (12 fish/aquarium) at a temperature of 28 f 2 C and fed either an egg white‐based, purified diet or a soybean meal‐based, practical diet with and without the test mineral sources for 6 wk then killed and feces collected from the hindgut. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Absorption coefficients for the elements in the basal and mineral supplemented diets were calculated by the indirect indicator (chromic oxide) method and corrected for residual amounts of element in the basal diets. Net absorption of the chelated minerals was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than net absorption of the inorganic minerals in both basal diets. Average percentage improvement in net absorption of chelated minerals over inorganic minerals was 39.3% in the purified diets and 81.1% in the practical diets. These results may indicate that appreciably lower amounts of chelated trace minerals than inorganic trace minerals can be used as supplements in catfish feeds.

Effect of chelated trace minerals on nursery pig growth performance (1994)

A total of 442 weanling pigs (initial age and wt of 22 d and 14.4 lb, respectively) was used on a commercial farm in northeast Kansas to evaluate growth performance with diets containing a chelated trace mineral premix or an inorganic trace mineral premix. Minerals evaluated in the premixes provided 16.5 ppm Cu, 165 ppm Fe, 40 ppm Mn, and 165 ppm Zn. For the inorganic trace mineral treatment, the mineral sources were copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganous oxide, and zinc oxide. The chelated trace mineral premix had the following fractions of these minerals provided as amino acid chelates: 109.7% of Cu, 75.8% of Fe, 78.1% of Mn, and 47.0% of Zn with the balance coming from the previous inorganic sources to make diets similar in added trace mineral content. All diets also contained copper sulfate, providing an additional 188 ppm Cu. Pigs fed the chelated trace mineral had increased average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) , and lower feed efficiency (F/G) from d 0 to 7 postweaning. No differences occurred between treatments in ADG or ADFI from d 7 to 14. For this same period, pigs fed the inorganic trace minerals had lower F/G than pigs fed the chelated trace minerals. For the entire Phase I period (d 0 to 14), pigs fed the chelated trace minerals had greater ADFI with no difference in ADG or F/G. No differences occurred in ADG or FIG for the Phase II period (d 14 to 28). However, pigs fed the inorganic trace minerals had increased ADFI (P> .02). For the entire nursery period (d 0 to 28), no differences occurred in ADG, ADFI, and F/G between pigs fed either chelated or inorganic trace minerals. Based on the improved performance observed, chelated trace minerals may have been more available, which benefitted the weanling pig during the stressful first week postweaning. However, for the entire nursery period, based on this single study, no significant differences occurred in growth performance for pigs fed either trace mineral source.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 17, 1994

Laboratory Evaluations of Solubility and Structural Integrity of Complexed and Chelated Trace Mineral Supplements

Commercially complexed and chelated mineral supplements (5 Cu, 5 Zn, and 5 Mn products) were evaluated for solubility of their metals at concentrations of .125, .25, .5, 2.5, and 12.5mg/ml in buffers at pH 5 and 2. At pH 5, solubility was related inversely to concentration, and most products were highly soluble at the lowest concentration tested. At pH 2, metals from all products were nearly 100% soluble at all concentrations. The relationships among soluble metals and proteinaceous (ninhydrin-reactive) substances in filtrates from solubility tests were evaluated using gel filtration chromatography. Chromatographs revealed that ninhydrin reactants in all pH 5 filtrates eluted in fractions earlier than, and separately from, the fractions containing metals. Ninhydrin reactants and metals in filtrates eluted in the same general ranges of fractions as did ninhydrin reactants and metals from mixtures prepared from pure AA and atomic absorption standards. The minerals solubilized from these products apparently no longer were chelated.