Inorganic Trace Minerals vs. Complexed Trace Minerals

As noted above, the bioavailability of trace minerals fed to dairy cattle is dependent not only upon the source of trace minerals but also upon amounts of other trace and macro minerals in the diet. Elements such as calcium, iron and sulfur can reduce the availability of trace minerals. Some minerals compete for absorption or form insoluble complexes in the rumen and intestine rendering the trace mineral unavailable to the animal.

Attempting to increase trace mineral status of the animal by feeding higher levels of inorganic trace minerals may decrease the availability of other trace minerals in the diet, increase the toxicity risk, and increase excretion of those trace minerals into the environment. Furthermore, trace mineral content of animal waste is becoming a concern and could potentially be regulated in the future. Thus interest has increased in feeding complexed trace minerals to increase trace mineral status and animal performance.