Trace minerals support biological functions that are required for proper immune function, reproduction, growth amd performance. They are present in forages and other feeds used in cattle, but supplementation is often needed to meet the needs of the animal. Stability and thus availability of the trace mineral source differs a lot. Traditionally, minerals have been categorized as either organic or inorganic, but a newly defined category of trace minerals, known as hydroxy trace minerals, became available recently. Recent research finds sulphate sources of trace minerals, which are the most commonly used inorganic sources, may harm dairy cows’ physiological performance, because they reduce NDF digestibility and negatively impact gut barrier function.

Selko IntelliBond for dairy cattle is proven to be an effective source of copper, zinc and manganese for animals. The low solubility of Selko IntelliBond at neutral pH results in less interaction in the feed/premix and in the upper gastrointestinal tract in ruminants. This means more metal is available for use by the animal where it is needed most59,60,61,62. Exclusive OptiSize® particle technology creates uniform particles, making Selko IntelliBond a non-hygroscopic trace mineral product for dairy.

Free trace minerals can be toxic to rumen fibre digesting bacteria. The effect of Selko IntelliBond trace minerals on neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility was compared to the effect of suplphates in two trials42,59,60 in cows on different type of diets (see Figure 1). The results of these two trials show that Selko IntelliBond is less toxic to the rumen compared to sulphate sources of trace minerals for dairy cattle. This results in an improvement of rumen function and fibre digestibility in dairy cows.

A total of 14 trials were carried out by independent Research Institutes and Universities1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. Cows in these studies were fed different types of diet. In each of these studies, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) digestibility was measured. Some of these studies were carried out in vitro, some were in vivo, using in situ, marker or total collection based methods. The results of these 14 trials are presented in a waterfall diagram (see Figure 2). In 12 out of the 14 trials, a positive impact on fibre digestibility was found. A comprehensive meta-analysis revealed an average increase of 1.7% in NDF digestibility10. NDF digestibility correlates with lactational performance of dairy cows. Each percent point of improved fibre digestion results in an increase of 0.25 to 0.3 kg Energy Corrected Milk per cow per day11.

A total of 5 trials12,13 on lactational performance of dairy cows was carried out (See figure 3). In 4 out of the 5 studies, cows fed Selko IntelliBond had an improved lactational performance compared to cows fed sulphates. In one of the studies12, carried out at the University of Cornell, peak production of Energy Corrected Milk (ECM) in the animals fed Selko IntelliBond was 3.5 kg above the peak level of the cows fed sulphates..

Professor Santos conducted a comprehensive trial to evaluate the effects of Selko IntelliBond on lactational performance, health and fertility of dairy cows14,15,16. This study compared the outcomes of cows fed Selko IntelliBond trace minerals with those fed conventional sulphate trace minerals over a much longer period of time compared to earlier studies carried out with Selko IntelliBond for dairy. The stury was spanning from pre-calving until peak lactation. The number of dairy cows included in this study was also much higher than in the earlier studies.

Two groups of dairy cows and dairy heifers were included, totaling 141 animals, with one group of dairy cows and heifers receiving Selko IntelliBond C, Z, and M and the other group of dairy cows and heifers receiving sulphates. The cows were monitored from 28 days before calving until 105 days in milk, allowing for detailed observation of outcomes related to milk production, health, reproductive performance and culling.

Colostrum yield and lactational performance
Dairy cows fed Selko IntelliBond had a higher colostrum yield of about 1 kg extra. Average ECM production per day during the entire 105 day period was about 1.5 kg higher in the Selko IntelliBond group, this difference was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.04 (See Figure 4).

Health Outcomes
Dairy cows included in the Selko IntelliBond group exhibited lower rates of retained placenta and metritis and a lower morbidity.

Longevity
Culling rate of dairy cows fed Selko IntelliBond was lower during the first lactation.

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2. Faulkner, M.J. and W.P. Weiss (2017). Effect of source of trace minerals in either forage- or by-product-based diets fed to dairy cows: 1. Production and macronutrient digestibility, Journal of Dairy Science 100:5358-53-67.
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