Comparison of SQM trace minerals with inorganic trace minerals on performance and bioavailability as influenced by an antagonist

The optimum value of trace minerals is how well they can serve their biological function in an animal’s body. For trace minerals to keep an animal in good health and performing to their genetic potential, they have to be available for absorption in the small intestines. There are a multitude of compounds and factors that will interact with individual trace minerals that have the potential to reduce their bioavailability or make them completely inert. The true value of organic trace minerals is to protect these highly necessary nutrients from negative factors in the diets and water animals consume. The purpose of this research study was to formulate diets with common feedstuffs that would contain unknown antagonists at unknown levels and compare it to a purified diet containing minimal antagonist. Then a known antagonist was included across all diets to measure trace mineral bioavailability and influence on performance as affected by trace mineral source (inorganic sulfates versus SQM polysaccharide protected).