When evaluating the success of a beef grazing operation, we often focus on core elements such as abundant pasture, strong genetics, and effective herd management of beef cattle. However, an essential yet often overlooked component that significantly impacts growth performance of beef cattle on pasture is trace mineral management. Trace minerals for beef cattle are micronutrients that are pivotal in maintaining the health and productivity of grazing beef cattle. From supporting robust immune systems to optimizing feed efficiency, trace minerals are crucial. Among these, Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals represent a significant innovation, poised to revolutionize mineral management in beef production.

Trace minerals for beef cattle such as zinc, copper, manganese and selenium, though required in minimal amounts, are vital for numerous biochemical processes essential for life. They act as catalysts in enzyme systems, support immune function, and are crucial for reproductive performance and growth. In a grazing system, where beef cattle primarily consume forages, ensuring an adequate supply of these trace minerals is mostly challenging.

Pasture forages for grazing beef cattle often lack the mineral density required to meet the nutritional needs of growing cattle. Factors like soil mineral content, forage species, and seasonal variations all influence the mineral profile of the feed. For example, copper deficiency is prevalent in many grazing regions due to low soil levels and the presence of antagonists like molybdenum and sulphur, which inhibit copper absorption1. Without adequate trace mineral supplementation, beef cattle may experience suboptimal growth rates, compromised immune function, and decreased fertility.

Traditional inorganic trace minerals, such as sulphates and oxides, have long been used to supplement beef cattle diets. However, these forms of trace mineral supplementation have notable drawbacks. Sulphates in particular can be unstable in the rumen2,3. Trace mineral source influences ruminal distribution of copper and zinc and their binding strength to ruminal digesta, leading to poor absorption and interactions with other dietary components, which can diminish their efficacy. High levels of trace metal ions in the rumen will also have a negative impact on fibre digestibility and rumen function of beef cattle. Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals for beef cattle address these issues4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16.

Hydroxy trace minerals, including hydroxy copper, zinc, and manganese, offer distinct advantages. Their unique crystalline structure provides greater stability in the rumen environment, resulting in more digestibility of nutrients – less free meals ions released from the crystal molecule17, and more efficient absorption and utilization by the animal 11. This stability reduces negative impact on rumen function and fibre digestibility of beef cattle4,5,6,7,8,910,11,12,13,14,15,16. It also reduces the likelihood of mineral interactions that can decrease rumen function and intestinal absorption, ensuring more of the supplemented mineral reaches its target within the animal's body.

Selko Intellibond is the first line of hydroxy trace minerals designed for use in animal feeds. It serves as an effective source of copper, zinc, and manganese for for beef cattle. The low solubility of Selko IntelliBond at neutral pH minimizes interaction in the feed and upper gastrointestinal tract, ensuring more metal availability where it’s needed most.

The benefits of Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals on growth performance of grazing beef cattle are well-documented. Studies20,21,22,23,24,25,26 have shown that beef cattle supplemented with hydroxy trace minerals exhibit improved weight gain and feed efficiency compared to those receiving organic minerals. This improved performance of beef cattle is attributed to the hydroxy trace minerals’ molecular stability, resulting in higher trace element availability to the animal, and less negative impact on rumen function which supports enhanced metabolic functions and overall health.

For instance, research indicates that hydroxy zinc trace minerals can enhance cattle’s gut integrity, mitigating inflammatory responses18 and reducing the abundance in faeces of certain pathogens (i.e., Treponema spp.) that can cause lameness in beef cattle19 Organic trace minerals are often used in the feedlot to help control foot rot, however, because of their high cost they are fed in combination with sulfate sources. Selko IntelliBond is an economical way to provide a 100% improved trace mineral program resulting in equal efficacy at a reduced cost. It has ben shown that feeding Selko IntelliBond to beef cattle redcuces the percentage of treatments against footrot12 (See Figure 1).

Healthier beef cattle can convert feedstuffs into body mass more efficiently, directly improving growth rates of beef cattle on pasture throughout the grazing season. Moreover, Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals positively impact nutrient digestibility20,21. Studies have demonstrated that hydroxy trace mineral sources minerals can improve DM and NDF digestibility, increasing the production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen27, crucial for energy metabolism in cattle (see Figure 2). Increased production of volatile fatty acids is directly linked to improved feed efficiency and average daily gain of beef cattle25.

Effective trace mineral supplementation of grazing beef cattle begins with understanding the specific needs of your herd and the mineral profile of your pastures. Regular soil and forage testing can provide valuable insights into potential deficiencies, allowing for a tailored trace mineral supplementation program for grazing beef that meets the unique requirements of your operation.

In addition to selecting the appropriate mineral sources, such as hydroxy trace minerals, can guarantee more trace mineral delivery to the animal. Incorporating hydroxy trace minerals into a daily feed or mineral supplements to grazing animals increases stability, palatability, and preferential choice of these supplements22,25,28,29 (see Figure 3)), reduces metal leaching losses under rainy conditions22, ensures more uniform intake23, preventing the variability24 and intake that can occur with the most common free-choice mineral systems.

Optimizing growth performance in grazing beef cattle involves continuous learning and adaptation. By embracing new technologies and innovations, such as hydroxy trace minerals, we can achieve new levels of productivity and sustainability in our grazing systems. Recognizing the critical role of trace minerals in cattle health and growth, and leveraging the advantages of advanced supplementation forms, ensures that our herds thrive. It goes beyond meeting nutritional requirements; it involves nurturing a balance that supports long-term success and resilience of beef cattle in grazing operations.

In the complex ecosystem of beef production on pasture, it is important to balance performance of beef cattle on pasture against keeping the soil healthy and productive in the future. Trace mineral management of beef cattle on pasture has an impact on growth performance, immune function, and overall health of beef cattle, but also has an impact on deposition of trace metal ions in the soil, which has a big impact on soil health.

By integrating trace mineral management of beef cattle and other pasture management practices, we can ensure that our cattle receive the full spectrum of nutrients they need to thrive. This commitment to excellence, dedication to sustainability, and step toward unlocking the full potential of grazing beef production are essential for the future.