Organic mineral sources are cost effective solution

bonderic

Animal nutritionists need to take a closer look at organic sources of minerals.

Release Date: 2008年2月26日

Animal nutritionists need to take a closer look at organic sources of minerals. “It has been claimed that total replacement of inorganic trace minerals with organic sources was not only expensive but also nutritionally unsound. The rationale behind this was that protected organic mineral sources are theoretically unavailable to the rumen bacteria, potentially limiting rumen bacterial function,” explains Patrick Charlton of Alltech.  “In reality, organic mineral sources are available to the intestinal microflora, which should not be a surprise, when we consider that prior to use of inorganic supplements, organic minerals found in grains, etc., were the only sources available to the animal.” He says original research with organic selenium has clearly shown that 100 percent of the supplemented selenium can be made using organic sources, resulting in significant improvements in measured status parameters, such as blood, tissue, milk and hair. This has resulted in a recommended use of 100 percent organic selenium sources in all major farm species. More recent research has focussed on chelated trace minerals, to see if a similar strategy could be followed, says Charlton. In work conducted at Harper Adams University College, UK, a 2.4 litre per cow yield response was recorded when organic zinc proteinate replaced an inorganic form at recommended levels.  “This work supports results seen in other species supporting total replacement of trace mineral supply with organic sources as a viable and cost effective strategy,” he notes. Genetic development, with the goal of improved herd performance will continue to be a necessity for a profitable dairy industry. As a result, improved lifetime nutrition must follow. “Trace minerals may only make up a small portion of the ration, but have a significant impact on cow health and performance,” says Charlton. “Development of organic trace mineral technology has led to widespread use in commercial dairies, benefiting the producer through improved fertility, udder and hoof health and overall production. Future use of organic trace minerals as the sole source supplied will enable targeted use of the key nutrients designed to optimise production and performance, as well as environmentally responsible nutrition,” he adds.