The potential for organic trace minerals to improve animal health and reduce environmental impact of animal production systems

David Parker, Novus Europe, Belgium

Meeting the requirements of production animals for essential trace minerals has traditionally involved the use of inorganic salts whose availability is low resulting in over provision in the diet and high excretion rates into the environment. Trace mineral sources bound to organic ligands have a higher availability to the animal resulting in improvements in animal health and performance. New methodologies provide an opportunity to differentiate between sources and obtain a better understanding of the potential for the mineral/ligand complex to increase trace mineral supply. These studies coupled with animal experiments provide a clearer picture of the importance of organic trace minerals in animal production systems. This paper will discuss these aspects of trace mineral supply and the benefits which can be expected from their use.