An important target for farming grazing beef on pasture is maintaining a healthy soil. Preventing contamination with trace metals is crucial to ensure sufficient growth of grass on pasture. Benefits are economic savings, environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

Manure of grazing cattle can present significant environmental challenges in some regions. Trace minerals like zinc, copper and manganese are vital for cattle health and performance trace mineral source and supplementation level should be considered carefully. If the source that is being used does not have a high bio-availability, or if it is fed in high excess of dietary requirements, the risk of mineral excretion into the environment increases. This can lead to soil contamination, water pollution through runoff, and disruptions in local ecosystems.

Manure from grazing cattle adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil, improving its structure, water retention, and microbial activity. This enhances resilience to extreme weather conditions and reduces the need for irrigation. If nutrient levels in the soil are balanced, organic matter decomposes effectively and releases nutrients at a steady rate. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which can have long-term negative effects on soil health and also cost money. Lastly, if excretion of trace minerals through manure is limited, leaching into nearby surface water will also be reduced.

Environmental regulations are becoming more stringent. Reducing contamination with trace metals ensures compliance with environmental regulations, avoiding fines and enhancing eligibility for agricultural grants and subsidies.

Trace minerals and other essential minerals like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) are vital for plant growth and soil health as they improve fertility and structure. However, if mineral nutrition is not balanced, soil health will be impacted:

• Toxicity: soil micro-organisms can be negatively affected in case of accumulation of copper and zinc. This can reduce the yield per hectare of pasture land. Manure often contains high levels of copper and zinc, which can accumulate in the soil over time. Feeding grazing beef with trace minerals with an excellent bioavailability at the correct level can significantly reduce excretion in the manure.
• pH of soil: the presence of certain minerals can alter the pH of soil and reduce availability of nutrients.
  
  

Strategies to control mineral excretion of grazing beef on pasture:

1. Supplement correct levels of trace minerals: soil and forage testing can be used to tailor mineral supplementation to the specific needs of the herd to prevent over-supplementation.
2. Rotational grazing: rotational grazing systems for grazing beef can help distribute manure more evenly, reducing the concentration of minerals in any one area.
3. Use of hydroxy trace minerals: Selko hydroxy trace minerals are more bioavailable compared to sulphates, leading to a higher rate of absorption and reduced excretion in manure1,2.

Selko IntelliBond offers a stable and bioavailable source of copper, zinc and manganese. Due to its excellent bio-availability it can match the amount of trace mineral supplementation needed at relatively low inclusion levels. This saves costs and lowers the risk of environmental contamination. Strong covalent bonds and a unique crystalline structure limit the exposure of the Selko IntelliBond trace minerals to antagonists in the feed and in the rumen. Slow dissociation of Selko IntelliBond in the abomasum, ensures absorbtion in the small intestine can take place. This reduces buildup of minerals in the manure3.

Maintaining healthy soil by preventing contamination with copper and zinc is are critical for successful farming of grazing beef cattle. With management practices and nutritional supplementation strategies including Selko IntelliBond, farmers can achieve better long-term productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability.