Information on chelated minerals
Every year at this time we are asked about the use of chelated minerals.
The view of most nutritionists throughout Canada and the U.S. is that the cost of chelated minerals does not justify routine use.
However, producers, primarily beef producers, continue to be pressured into trying chelated minerals. The following is a check- list of questions for producers thinking of changing to a chelated mineral. Only if the answer to every question is an honest yes should producers consider adding chelated minerals to their livestock feed.
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- Is there a problem? Does your record-keeping system verify this?
- Is it mineral-related? Are you sure?
- Have you discussed this with a qualified nutritionist?
- Have conventional solutions been tried? Are you sure?
- Have you had all your feeds tested for trace mineral content by wet chemistry?
- Does your mineral mix contain high levels of trace minerals (eg. 2,500 mg copper/kg)?
- Are animals eating the recommended amount (About 56 g/pregnant cow/day)?
- Have you monitored intake to be sure?
- Is fresh mineral available at all times?
- Do you have an adequate number of mineral feeders (one feeder per 50 head)?
- Are mineral feeders easily accessible to cattle (ie. close to water and shade)?
- If intake is low, have you tried other commercial minerals? There is a difference in palatability between feed companies. Have you tried mixing the mineral with salt or dried molasses to increase consumption?
- If copper levels are still low, have you tried adding copper sulphate to the mineral, salt or feed?
- Have you asked your salesperson how much chelated mineral has been added to the mineral mix?
Mineral mixes being marketed as “chelated” do not have to contain a minimum level of chelates. Inorganic sources could still provide a significant amount of the mineral. Examining the list of ingredients on the feed tag can be used as a guideline. Ingredients are listed in order of descending concentration.
- Are you on a record-keeping system?
If you’re not, you’ll never know whether the purchase of chelated minerals was economically sound.
The scientific literature does not justify routine use of chelated minerals. Beware of testimonials. Unless a feeding trial is done following proper scientific protocol, the information obtained is often misleading.
As well, trace minerals from a chelate cost 20-30 times the cost of minerals from an inorganic source. A mineral mix with 25 percent chelates can cost double that of a mix with only inorganic sources.
– Animal Industry Nutrition Update
