Cattle feeding demands meticulous attention to deal wit various aspects of cattle health and nutrition. One critical but often overlooked component is trace mineral management. Trace minerals, though required in minute quantities, play an essential role in numerous physiological functions of beef cattle, including immune response, growth, and overall well-being of cattle. Mismanagement or suboptimal sources of trace minerals can lead to significant challenges for feedlot operators, ultimately affecting cattle performance and profitability.

Feedlots face several challenges in ensuring optimal trace mineral nutrition for beef cattle. One of the primary issues is the variability in mineral content and bioavailability from different trace mineral supplements for beef cattle. Traditional sources like sulfates and oxides are commonly used due to their lower cost. However, these sources of trace mineral for beef are often poorly absorbed by cattle and can interact negatively with other dietary components, leading to antagonism, inefficiencies and potential health problems.

Sulphate trace minerals for beef are highly soluble, which has a negative impact on rumen function1,2 (see Figure 1). Sulphates also interact with other minerals, forming insoluble complexes that are excreted rather than absorbed. Oxides, on the other hand, are less soluble and have significantly lower bioavailability. This poor absorption can result in mineral deficiencies of beef cattle, even when the diet technically meets recommended levels. These deficiencies manifest in various ways, including impaired immune function, poor growth rates, and increased susceptibility to diseases such as bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

Because of the concerns of trace mineral deficiencies, it became a common practice in feedlot operations to overfeed trace minerals in an attempt to compensate for the low bioavailability of traditional sources like sulfates and oxides. While this might seem like a precautionary measure, it carries significant risks and negatives. Overfeeding trace minerals to beef cattle in feedlots can lead to mineral imbalances and toxicity18,19, which can have detrimental effects on beef cattle health and performance. For instance, excessive copper can lead to liver damage, while high levels of zinc can interfere with the absorption of other essential minerals such as iron and copper. This imbalance not only compromises cattle health but can also lead to reduced growth rates and lower feed efficiency, counteracting the intended benefits of supplementation (see Figure 2). Lastly, over-feeding of trace minerals to beef cattle results in high levels of copper and zinc in manure, which can cause environmental issues. Trials have shown that Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals are a highly bioavailable source of essential trace minerals. Feeding Selko IntelliBond to beef cattle, reduces the risk of environmental contamination with zinc20,21.

Hydroxy trace minerals like Selko IntelliBond offer a solution to the problems associated with overfeeding beef cattle with traditional mineral sources. Due to their superior bioavailability and stability, lower supplementation levels may be possible to achieve the desired outcomes. This precision mineral nutrition approach for beef cattle reduces the risk of toxicity and mineral imbalances, promoting better overall health and performance.

By ensuring that a higher percentage of the mineral is absorbed and utilized, hydroxy trace minerals contribute to more efficient nutrient use, supporting optimal growth rates and feed conversion ratios of beef cattle. This efficiency not only enhances cattle productivity but also translates into economic benefits for feedlot operators by reducing the costs associated with mineral supplementation or enhancing growth6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17 and profitability (see Figure 3).

Research has consistently shown that the source of trace minerals significantly influences their bioavailability and efficacy. Choosing the right source is crucial for maximizing cattle health and performance. Hydroxy forms of zinc, copper, and manganese, are available as individual Selko IntelliBond products or in the form of blends, combined with iodine and cobalt. Selko IntelliBond trace minerals offer distinct advantages over traditional sulfate and oxide forms.

Effective trace mineral management is a cornerstone of a successful feedlot operation. Overcoming the challenges associated with traditional mineral sources like sulfates and oxides is critical for ensuring optimal cattle health and performance. Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals provide a superior alternative, offering enhanced bioavailability and stability that translates into tangible benefits for immune function and growth. By adopting Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals, feedlot operators can achieve more efficient, productive, and profitable operations, securing a sustainable future for their farms.