Trace Minerals and Livestock: Not Too Much Not Too Little

The new approaches of the animal production systems make managing the mineral nutrition a challenge. Versus the excessive, trace mineral supply in intensively managed livestock, well above the physiological requirements, is the no trace mineral supplementation of organic systems, which become highly dependent on trace minerals in the soil. Nowadays, in addition to the animal health perspective, trace mineral nutrition must be environment friendly and allow getting mineral-enriched animal products. We are in a new scenario, where a balance between animal trace mineral needs and limits is needed. This papers focuses on different aspects that will help us to enter a critical dialogue in relation to animal-human-environment.

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The Effects of Varying Levels of Trace Mineral Supplementation on Feedlot Cattle Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab096.050 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 28-28

Author(s):

Brittany A Lippy ◽

Blake K Wilson ◽

Colton A Robison

Keyword(s):

Block Design ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Negative Control ◽

Feedlot Cattle ◽

Trace Minerals ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Trace Mineral ◽

Mineral Supplementation ◽

Experimental Treatments ◽

Cattle Performance

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of 4 levels of trace mineral supplementation on feedlot cattle. Two hundred and forty Angus crossbred steers (n = 48, BW = 291 ± 27 kg) were stratified by arrival BW and source and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental treatments in a randomized complete block design (12 pens/ treatment; 5 steers/pen). Cattle went through a 35 d depletion period prior to the administration of treatments where cattle received a supplement that included zero trace minerals and was formulated to meet or exceed other nutrient requirements not met by the ration. Cattle were administered treatments after transition to the finishing ration. The treatments included a negative control (CON) which contained no added trace minerals, a requirement treatment (1X) in which cattle received added trace minerals at requirement levels indicated by NASEM (Co 0.15 mg/kg, Cu 10 mg/kg, Fe 50 mg/kg, I 0.5 mg/kg, Mn 20 mg/kg, Se 0.1 mg/kg, Zn 30 mg/kg; NASEM 2016), a 2 times requirement levels (2X) treatment, and a treatment at four times requirement (4X) levels recommended by the NASEM. Iron was kept constant at 50 mg/kg for 1X, 2X, and 4X treatments. Due to feeding laws, Selenium was included at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg for 1X, 2X, and 4X respectively. Treatment levels were chosen based on the 2015 Feedlot Consulting Nutritionist Survey. There was no difference in BW, ADG, overall DMI and G:F over the course of the experiment (Linear P ≥ 0.12; Quadratic P ≥ 0.17; CON vs Supplements P ≥ 0.47) There was no difference in marbling score, yield grade, back fat, REA, HCW, or dressing percentage between treatments (Linear P ≥ 0.23; Quadratic P ≥ 0.36; CON vs Supplements P ≥ 0.30). In conclusion, the lack of or addition of supplemented trace minerals at or above indicated requirement levels has no effect on cattle performance or carcass characteristics.

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Trace mineral nutrition for broiler chickens and prospects of application of organically complexed trace minerals: a review

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/ea08204 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 49 (4) ◽

pp. 269 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Y. M. Bao ◽

M. Choct

Keyword(s):

Mineral Nutrition ◽

Broiler Chickens ◽

Broiler Chicken ◽

Tissue Concentration ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Trace Minerals ◽

Current Status ◽

Trace Mineral ◽

Organic Trace Minerals ◽

Organic Trace

This review critically examines the literature on the current status of trace mineral nutrition and the effect of organically complexed trace minerals, focusing on copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), on broiler chicken production. The requirements of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn by broiler chickens need to be redefined due to today’s fast growing birds and the availability of organic trace minerals. Zn is one of the key trace minerals for chickens and although it maintains a relatively stable tissue concentration, dietary deficiency of Zn strongly depresses the feed intake, and hence the growth, of broiler chickens. Based on studies using a semiconventional diet, it is reasonable to conclude that the total Zn requirement for broiler chickens is around 60 mg/kg up until day 14 and 70 mg/kg from 14 day onwards, including the Zn content in the basal diet. However, it is difficult to determine the requirements of other organic trace minerals such as Cu, Fe and Mn because under a Zn adequate condition, it is impossible to produce deficient symptoms of these minerals on the basis of growth response. It also identifies gaps in knowledge of inorganic and organic trace mineral nutrition for the modern broiler chicken.

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Impacts of Bovine Trace Mineral Supplementation on Maternal and Offspring Production and Health

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10122404 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 2404

Author(s):

Megan Van Emon ◽

Carla Sanford ◽

Sarah McCoski

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Performance ◽

Animal Health ◽

Milk Quality ◽

Economic Consequences ◽

Trace Mineral ◽

Mineral Status ◽

Offspring Production ◽

Mineral Supplementation ◽

Body Condition Scoring ◽

Offspring Health

Nutritional status can have major implications for animal health and production. Energy balance is easily determined using a body condition scoring system. This allows producers to readily adjust diets to meet an animal’s needs. Far less obvious is an animal’s trace mineral status, which is typically not assessed until an animal’s performance falls below expectation or illness is detected. Trace mineral toxicities and deficiencies can manifest as reduced thriftiness and/or poor reproductive performance, resulting in economic consequences for producers. Maternal mineral status not only impacts dam heath, but also the health of subsequent offspring. Both the oocyte and embryo are susceptible to changes in maternal mineral status. This susceptibility is maintained throughout fetal development via placental control of nutrient transfer to the fetal system. Furthermore, maternal mineral status continues to impact offspring health via colostrum and milk quality. Herein we discuss the roles of trace minerals in bovine reproductive performance, maternal health, colostrum and milk quality, and offspring health.

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Recent Advances in Understanding the Influence of Zinc, Copper, and Manganese on the Gastrointestinal Environment of Pigs and Poultry

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11051276 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1276

Author(s):

Leon J. Broom ◽

Alessandra Monteiro ◽

Arturo Piñon

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Trace Minerals ◽

Trace Mineral ◽

Mineral Supplementation ◽

Recent Advances ◽

Safety Margins ◽

Alternative Sources ◽

Minimal Environmental Impact ◽

Nutritional Benefits ◽

Improve Health

Zinc, copper, and manganese are prominent essential trace (or micro) minerals, being required in small, but adequate, amounts by pigs and poultry for normal biological functioning. Feed is a source of trace minerals for pigs and poultry but variable bioavailability in typical feed ingredients means that supplementation with low-cost oxides and sulphates has become common practice. Such trace mineral supplementation often provides significant ‘safety margins’, while copper and zinc have been supplemented at supra-nutritional (or pharmacological) levels to improve health and/or growth performance. Regulatory mechanisms ensure that much of this oversupply is excreted by the host into the environment, which can be toxic to plants and microorganisms or promote antimicrobial resistance in microbes, and thus supplying trace minerals more precisely to pigs and poultry is necessary. The gastrointestinal tract is thus central to the maintenance of trace mineral homeostasis and the provision of supra-nutritional or pharmacological levels is associated with modification of the gut environment, such as the microbiome. This review, therefore, considers recent advances in understanding the influence of zinc, copper, and manganese on the gastrointestinal environment of pigs and poultry, including more novel, alternative sources seeking to maintain supra-nutritional benefits with minimal environmental impact.

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Inorganic and organic trace mineral supplementation in weanling pig diets

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências ◽

10.1590/0001-3765201520140154 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 87 (2) ◽

pp. 1071-1081 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

MARIA C. THOMAZ ◽

PEDRO H. WATANABE ◽

LEONARDO A.F. PASCOAL ◽

MURILO M. ASSIS ◽

URBANO S. RUIZ ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Feed Intake ◽

Hematological Parameters ◽

Control Diet ◽

Daily Weight Gain ◽

Trace Minerals ◽

Trace Mineral ◽

Mineral Supplementation ◽

Calcium Phosphorus ◽

Organic Trace ◽

Inorganic And Organic

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inorganic and organic trace minerals in two levels of supplementation regarding performance, diarrhea occurrence, hematological parameters, fecal mineral excretion and mineral retention in metacarpals and liver of weanling pigs. Seventy piglets weaned at 21 days of age with an average initial body weight of 6.70 ± 0.38 kg were allotted in five treatments: control diet (no added trace mineral premix); 50% ITMP (control diet with inorganic trace mineral premix supplying only 50% of trace mineral requirements); 50% OTMP (control diet with organic trace mineral premix supplying only 50% of trace mineral requirements); 100% ITMP (control diet with inorganic trace mineral premix supplying 100% of trace mineral requirements); and 100% OTMP (control diet with organic trace mineral premix supplying 100% of trace mineral requirements). Feed intake and daily weight gain were not affected by treatments, however, piglets supplemented by trace minerals presented better gain:feed ratio. No differences were observed at calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium and sulfur excreted in feces per kilogram of feed intake. Treatments did not affect calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur and iron content in metacarpals. Trace mineral supplementation, regardless of level and source, improved the performance of piglets.

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Methods of Trace Mineral Supplementation

EDIS ◽

10.32473/edis-an348-2018 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Matthew J. Hersom ◽

Todd A. Thrift

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Trace Minerals ◽

Trace Mineral ◽

Delivery Strategy ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Mineral Supplementation ◽

Total Diet ◽

Animal Growth ◽

Cattle Producer ◽

Mineral Concentrations

Trace minerals supplementation is an integral component of the total diet for beef cattle. Trace minerals from the diet function in many of the metabolic processes associated with animal growth, health, and reproduction. It is essential that cattle have access to trace minerals in their diet. However, the forage cattle consume as the bulk of their diet is often deficient in trace mineral concentrations. Therefore, cattle need to be supplemented with trace minerals on a regular basis. Cattle producers can choose from a number of different methods to supplement trace minerals to cattle. Each method has characteristic advantages and disadvantages. The value of the characteristics should be evaluated against management activities of each cattle producer to determine the optimal trace mineral delivery strategy.

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Trace Mineral Nutrition of Grazing Beef Cattle

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11102767 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 2767

Author(s):

John D. Arthington ◽

Juliana Ranches

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Beef Cattle ◽

Mineral Nutrition ◽

The United States ◽

Trace Minerals ◽

Native Range ◽

Trace Mineral ◽

Grazing Cattle ◽

The World ◽

Grazing Systems

The trace mineral requirements of grazing beef cattle are often complicated by different environmental factors, such as the lack of specific trace minerals or the presence of trace mineral antagonists in forage. Nearly every region of the world has specific implications related to trace mineral nutrition of grazing cattle. Since forage is the most significant contributor to trace mineral nutrition, it is important to consider the concentrations of trace minerals and antagonists and how they may impact the performance of cattle consuming them. This review attempts to provide an update on the trace minerals commonly found to be inadequate in forage, supplementation strategies to address deficiency including a discussion on supplemental trace mineral source, and the complications presented by mineral antagonists. Although the review focuses on beef cattle grazing systems of the United States, the information herein is derived from both extensive native range and intensive planted pasture.

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Laying hen mortality in different indoor housing systems: a meta-analysis of data from commercial farms in 16 countries

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-81868-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Cynthia Schuck-Paim ◽

Elsa Negro-Calduch ◽

Wladimir J. Alonso

Keyword(s):

Production Systems ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Animal Health ◽

Laying Hen ◽

Egg Laying ◽

Housing Systems ◽

Commercial Farms ◽

Degree Of Maturity ◽

Using Data ◽

Average Drop

AbstractSocietal concern with the welfare of egg laying hens housed in conventional cages is fostering a transition towards cage-free systems in many countries. However, although cage-free facilities enable hens to move freely and express natural behaviours, concerns have also been raised over the possibility that cage-free flocks experience higher mortality, potentially compromising some aspects of their welfare. To investigate this possibility, we conducted a large meta-analysis of laying hen mortality in conventional cages, furnished cages and cage-free aviaries using data from 6040 commercial flocks and 176 million hens from 16 countries. We show that except for conventional cages, mortality gradually drops as experience with each system builds up: since 2000, each year of experience with cage-free aviaries was associated with a 0.35–0.65% average drop in cumulative mortality, with no differences in mortality between caged and cage-free systems in more recent years. As management knowledge evolves and genetics are optimized, new producers transitioning to cage-free housing may experience even faster rates of decline. Our results speak against the notion that mortality is inherently higher in cage-free production and illustrate the importance of considering the degree of maturity of production systems in any investigations of farm animal health, behaviour and welfare.

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PSIII-25 The effects of varying levels of trace mineral supplementation on mineral balance and antibody concentrations in feedlot cattle

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.528 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 287-288

Author(s):

Brittany A Lippy ◽

Blake K Wilson ◽

Colton A Robison

Keyword(s):

Negative Control ◽

Feedlot Cattle ◽

Trace Mineral ◽

Herpesvirus Type ◽

Diarrhea Virus ◽

Mineral Supplementation ◽

Normal Ranges ◽

Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 ◽

Trends Over Time ◽

Viral Diarrhea Virus

Abstract Trace mineral (TM) supplementation is critical for optimal performance and health. The objective was to determine the effects of varying levels of TM supplementation on feedlot cattle TM status and antibody concentrations. Angus steers (n = 240; BW = 291 kg ± 27.4) were stratified by arrival BW and source and assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (12 pens/treatment; 5 steers/pen). Treatments included a negative control (CON) in which cattle received no TM supplementation, a requirement treatment (1X) in which cattle received added TM at 2016 Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle required levels, a 2 times requirements (2X), and a 4 times requirements (4X) treatment. Selenium was included at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg for 1X, 2X, and 4X respectively. Treatments were chosen based on reported TM supplementation levels from the 2015 Feedlot Consulting Nutritionist Survey. One steer was chosen at random from each pen to be evaluated for serum and liver TM status and antibody concentrations to respiratory viruses. There was treatment × day interaction for serum Co, and liver Cu and Se (P < 0.0001). Serum Co was greatest for the 4X treatment from d 28 through harvest. Liver Cu was greatest for the 2X and 4X treatments from d 56 through harvest. Liver Se was greatest for 2X and 4X from d 28 through harvest. There was an effect of day on liver Co, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn (P < 0.0001) and serum Cu, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn (P < 0.0019). Concentrations for individual TM had different trends over time, however, all reported values were within normal ranges. Serum Zn was greater at harvest (P = .02). There was an effect of time on Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Type 1A, Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1, Bovine Parainfluenza 3 virus antibody titer concentrations (P < 0.0001).

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Invited review: Importance of animal health and welfare for the stability of the three pillars of sustainability of livestock systems

Advances in Animal Biosciences ◽

10.1017/s2040470016000145 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 208-214

Author(s):

P. Chemineau

Keyword(s):

Animal Welfare ◽

Production Systems ◽

Animal Health ◽

Holistic Approach ◽

Population Increase ◽

Strong Interactions ◽

Essential Components ◽

The Future ◽

The Stability ◽

Livestock Systems

The future livestock systems at the world level will have to produce more in the perspective of the population increase in the next 30 years, whereas reducing their environmental footprint and addressing societal concerns. In that perspective, we may wonder if animal health and animal welfare, which are two essential components of production systems, may play an important role in the stability of the three pillars of sustainability of the livestock systems. We already know that objectives driven by economy, environment and society may modify animal welfare and animal health, but is the reverse true? The answer is yes and in 11 cases out of 12 of the matrix health-welfare×3 pillars of sustainability×positive or negative change, we have many examples indicating that animal health and animal welfare are able to modify, positively or negatively, the three pillars of sustainability. Moreover, we also have good examples of strong interactions between health and welfare. These elements play in favour of an holistic approach at the farm level and of a multicriterial definition of what could be the sustainable systems of animal production in the future which will respect animal welfare and maintain a good animal health.

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