Hydroxy trace minerals have low solubility due to a unique crystal matrix structure with covalent bonds, providing reliable stability, as can be seen by the few interactions with other feed components. After passage in a more acidic environment like the stomach, the molecule provides a “slow release” effect, generating high delivery of trace elements in the small intestine, available for uptake.
This high uptake ensures higher bioavailability of hydroxy trace minerals in the animal and, as a result, lower excretion of Cu, Mn and Zn in the environment.
Findings from studies regarding trace mineral nutrition conducted by Orffa and from literature show many reasons to replace inorganic trace minerals with Excential Smart.
1 Smart/stable bonds
Hydroxy minerals are composed of stable covalent bonds, rather than the weak ionic bonds in sulphates. In ruminants, for example, the hydroxy trace minerals will bypass the rumen due to low solubility, which results in few interactions with other nutrients and reduced antimicrobial effects. This ensures enhanced ruminal function and increased fermentation and digestibility.
In comparison, for sulphates, negative effect on volatile fatty acid (VFA) production was observed in trials. Using stable (hydroxy Excential Smart) minerals in diets makes it easier to provide the animals with the desired amount of the specific trace element.
Additionally, it may also decrease the non-absorbed minerals in waste, supporting sustainable animal nutrition.
2 Homogenous product
Hydroxy trace minerals have excellent product characteristics, ensuring safe and easy use. Excential Smart products have low hygroscopicity and good free-flowing characteristics. They are dust-free, with particles that are homogenous in shape, size and colour.
In addition, Excential Smart C (hydroxy-Cu) and Excential Smart Z (hydroxy-Zn) are compatible in organic feed.
Improved handling, precision and uniformity in feed can lower the risk of carry over effect, make measuring easier and more predictable and avoid clumping in complete feeds.
3 Stability of the feed
Hydroxy trace minerals contain strong covalent bonds, which protect the reactive metal from being released too early in the feed or digestive tract.
High reactivity in the feed is detrimental to the stability of other nutrients and can lead to oxidation of fat, degradation of vitamin levels and reduced phytate availability for phytase. Reactive trace elements are able to interact with other feed components and form complexes, making other feed components as well as the trace elements unavailable for absorption.
4 Improved bioavailability
The minerals from hydroxy sources become available in the small intestine, where they can be taken up by receptors and create an optimal mineral supply to the animal. When hydroxy Cu was used versus copper sulphate in a diet for growing cattle, almost twice as much Cu reached the liver (Figure 1). Especially in soils that are high in antagonists, such as molybdenum, absorption of Cu is significantly reduced. These results indicate a possible easier usage for preci-sion feeding, especially in feed with high levels of antagonists in the ration.