Trace minerals may be required in small amounts, but they play an important role in supporting animal health, resilience and performance. Today, the challenge in mineral nutrition is no longer simply about meeting requirements. It is about understanding how much of the mineral supplied can actually be absorbed and used by the animal.
In the third episode of our Mineral Nutrition series, Jolien van Soest, Global Solution Manager Mineral Nutrition, explores the importance of bioavailability and why the form and source of trace minerals matter. Minerals can interact with other components in the feed and digestive tract, influencing their availability before they can reach the tissues where they perform their biological functions.
The article looks at how smarter mineral choices can help improve mineral utilization, support animal performance and resilience, and reduce unnecessary mineral excess and excretion. It also explores the role of different trace mineral sources and why bioavailability is becoming increasingly relevant for more efficient and sustainable animal production.
Ultimately, the future of mineral nutrition is not simply about adding more. It is about making every milligram count.
