Trace mineral source impacts rumen trace mineral metabolism and fiber digestion in steers fed a medium-quality grass hay diet

Effect of Partial or Complete Replacement of Dietary Inorganic Trace Minerals Supplement with an Advanced Chelated Source on Nutrient Digestibility in Sheep

The delicate balance of trace mineral supplementation is critical for optimizing rumen function and overall ruminant health. This study evaluated the solubility of an advanced chelate technology-based supplement and assessed its impact on rumen degradability and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) when replacing inorganic sources. The solubility of the advanced trace minerals supplement (ACTM) was assessed at pH 5 and pH 2. In situ ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and fiber fractions was evaluated using two fistulated rams fed diets supplemented with either ACTM or inorganic trace minerals. ATTD was determined in 6 lambs fed diets supplemented with 100% ACTM, 50% ACTM, and 50% inorganic (50% ACTM), or 100% inorganic sources in a Latin square design. Results showed solubilities ranging from 6.75% to 11.81% at pH 5, increasing to 69.24% to 80.47% at pH 2. ACTM supplementation significantly enhanced the rumen degradability of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) at 6 h of incubation (p ≤ 0.05). The 100% ACTM treatment significantly decreased rumen pH (p = 0.051) and improved DM, OM, NDF, and ADF digestibility, as well as trace mineral absorbability compared to 100% inorganic (p ≤ 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of ACTM supplementation to enhance ruminal degradability, promote better trace mineral absorption, and improve the ATTD of nutrients compared to inorganic sources.

Effects of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L., BSF) Larvae Addition on In Vitro Fermentation Parameters of Goat Diets

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of different levels of BSF on rumen in vitro fermentation gas production, methane (CH4) production, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The experiment comprised four treatments, each with five replicates. The control group contained no BSF (BSF0), and the treatment groups contained 5% (BSF5), 10% (BSF10), and 15% (BSF15) BSF, respectively. Results showed that at 3 h, 9 h, and 24 h, gas production in BSF5 and BSF10 was significantly higher than in BSF0 and BSF15 (p < 0.05). Gas production in BSF5 and BSF10 was higher than in BSF0, while gas production in BSF15 was lower than in BSF0. At 6 h and 12 h, CH4 emission in BSF15 was significantly lower than in the other three groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the pH of in vitro fermentation after BSF addition (p > 0.05). At 3 h, NH3-N levels in BSF10 and BSF15 were significantly higher than in BSF0 and BSF5 (p < 0.05). At 6 h, NH3-N levels in BSF5 and BSF10 were significantly higher than in BSF0 and BSF15 (p < 0.05). Acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total VFAs in BSF0, BSF5, and BSF10 were significantly higher than in BSF15 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, gas production, CH4 emission, NH3-N, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and VFAs were highest in BSF5 and BSF10 and lowest in BSF15.

Impact of 48-h water and feed deprivation and hydroxychloride sources of copper and zinc on the metabolism and performance of grazing Nellore cattle during the dry period

Procedures such as transport and marketing can subject animals to water and feed deprivation and impair animal health and performance. Maintaining the mineral status of animals under these conditions can bring benefits to health and performance. The use of hydroxychloride mineral sources can improve mineral status, nutrient digestibility and performance. Two studies were conducted to investigate how the supplementation of 02 trace mineral sources of Cu and Zn and 48-hour water/feed deprivation would affect the performance and metabolism of grass-fed beef cattle. In the first study, 20 castrated and rumen-canulated Nellore steers (BW = 350 ± 132 kg; 20 m) were distributed in individual pens, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: supplemental Cu and Zn sources from inorganic vs hydroxychloride (HTM) and 48-hours deprivation (WFD) vs unrestricted (WFU) access to water and feed. The 57d of study was divided into two periods: (1) Adaptation from -21d to -1d and (2) evaluation from 0d to 36d. Interaction between deprivation × period was detected (P < 0.05) for digestibility of DM (DMD), organic matter (OMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDFD), and acid detergent fiber (ADFD). Deprivation increased DMD, OMD, NDFD, and ADFD immediately after the deprivation period (3-5d), but impaired digestibility at longer periods such as 11-13d and 32-34d. DM (DMI) and nutrient intake (P = 0.075), as well as NDFD were higher in HTM. Several ruminal parameters were affected by deprivation: short-chain fatty acids concentration decreased, while rumen pH increased (deprivation × time; P < 0.05); decreased propionate, butyrate and increased isobutyrate, isovalerate, and valerate in WFD (deprivation × time; P < 0.05), respectively. In the second study, eighty-four intact Nellore males (BW = 260 ± 35 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu paddocks for 131d in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Liver Cu was higher in WFU/HTM animals (mineral × deprivation; P < 0.05). Interaction between deprivation × period (P < 0.05) was detected for BW and average daily gain (ADG). On 2d and 12d after deprivation, WFD increased ADG and recovered the BW lost. In conclusion, water and feed deprivation imposed in these trials were able to impact several nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation parameters in short- and long-term. Performance was not affected by the studied factors. Furthermore, supplementation with sources of Cu and Zn hydroxychloride increased Cu in the liver and tended to increase DMI and NDFD.

Trace mineral sources influence in vitro fermentation characteristics and trace mineral solubility

Two experiments were conducted to determine: 1) the impact of strained rumen fluid (SRF) alone or SRF with particle-associated microorganisms (PAO) included and dilution on in vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD) and 2) the impact of trace mineral (TM) source on in vitro fermentation characteristics and TM solubility under simulated abomasal and intestinal conditions. In experiment 1, 3 cannulated steers were adapted to a diet formulated to meet the nutrient requirements for lactating dairy cows. Strained RF was obtained by straining rumen content through 2 layers of cheesecloth. Half of the remaining digesta was washed with McDougall's buffer and filtered through 2 layers of cheesecloth to obtain PAO. Both SRF and PAO were filtered again through 8 layers of cheesecloth. Strained RF was mixed with either McDougall's buffer (SRF) or PAO (SRF+ + PAO) at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:4 and incubated at 39 °C for 12 h using the ground basal diet as the substrate. Digestibility of DM was greater in digestion tubes containing SRF and SRF + PAO at a 1:2 ratio. In experiment 2, 8 steers fitted with a ruminal cannula were blocked by body weight and assigned to 1 of the 2 treatment groups. Treatments consisted of 10 mg Cu, 40 mg Mn, and 60 mg Zn/kg DM from either: 1) sulfate (STM) or 2) hydroxychloride (HTM) sources. Steers were housed in individual pens and fed the same diet as described in experiment 1. Dietary TM treatments were mixed with dried distiller grains and mixed in the diet, by hand, immediately after basal diet delivery. Dietary treatments were fed for 14 d. On day 15, SRF + PAO was collected from each steer (STM-RF and HTM-RF) and used in a series of in vitro crossover experiments. In vitro substrates (S) used were the ground diets consumed by the animals on each treatment (STM-S and HTM-S). Incubations containing HTM-S had greater (P < 0.01) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration and propionic acid molar proportions, but lesser (P < 0.01) acetic acid molar proportions than STM-S. Rumen fluid from steers supplemented with HTM had a greater (P < 0.03) total VFA than STM-RF at 24 h post incubation. After 12 h post incubation, the molar proportion of propionic acid in HTM-RF was lesser (P = 0.04) than in STM-RF. After simulated abomasal digestion, soluble Mn concentration in HTM-S was greater (P < 0.01) than in STM-S. These data indicate that the source of TM can influence in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and Mn solubility under simulated abomasal conditions.

Trace mineral source and chromium propionate supplementation affect performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers

Angus-crossbred steers (n = 400; 369.7 ± 7.6 kg) were used to determine the influence of trace mineral (TM) source and chromium propionate (Cr Prop) supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal and plasma variables in finishing steers. Steers were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned within block to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 1) TM source (STM or HTM) and 2) Cr supplementation (0 or 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM, -Cr or + Cr, respectively). Treatments consisted of the addition of: 1) sulfate TM (STM; 90, 40, and 18 mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), 2) STM and 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop, 3) hydroxychloride TM (HTM; 90, 40, and 18 mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), and 4) HTM and 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop. Each treatment consisted of 10 replicate pens with 10 steers per pen. Body weights were obtained on consecutive days at the initiation and termination of the 154-d study. Steers were fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet. Ractopamine hydrochloride was fed for the last 31 d of the study. Ruminal fluid and blood samples were obtained from one steer per pen on days 28 and 84 for ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) and plasma TM and glucose analysis. Steers were slaughtered at the end of the study and individual carcass data were collected. No Cr × TM source interactions (P = 0.48) were detected. Steers supplemented with HTM had greater (P = 0.04) hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP), longissimus muscle (LM) area, and USDA yield grade (YG), and tended (P = 0.12) to have greater average daily gain (ADG) than those receiving STM. Average daily gain, gain:feed, dressing percentage, and longissimus muscle area were greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Hot carcass weight tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for + Cr steers. Ruminal acetate concentrations at 28 d were lesser (P = 0.01) for HTM vs. STM steers, and greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Plasma concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn were not affected by TM source or Cr supplementation. Steers supplemented with Cr had greater (P = 0.05) plasma glucose concentrations than-Cr steers at 28 but not at 84 d. Results of this study indicate replacing STM with HTM improved carcass characteristics in finishing steers, and Cr Prop supplementation improved steer performance and carcass characteristics.

Replacing sulfate with hydroxychloride sources of trace minerals modulated the growth performance and plasma indicators of inflammation and energy metabolism in beef heifers during periods of feed restriction and adaptation to a high-starch diet

This study evaluated the effects of different sources (sulfate vs. hydroxychloride) of Cu, Mn, and Zn during feed restriction and a high-starch diet on heifer growth performance. On day 0, Nelore heifers (n = 40) were stratified by body weight (BW = 238 ± 38 kg) and age (21 ± 1 mo), and individually allocated into 1 of the 40 drylot pens. The study was divided into periods of pen acclimation (days 0 to 27), nutrient surplus (days 28 to 55), nutrient restriction (days 56 to 83), and step-up adaptation to a high-starch diet (days 84 to 112). Heifers had free choice access to Tifton hay (Cynodon sp.) and salt from days 0 to 27. On day 28, 20 heifers/treatment were randomly assigned to receive free choice access to Tifton hay and protein supplementation at 0.10% of BW (dry matter, DM) added with sulfate (SUL) or hydroxychloride (HYD) sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn from days 28 to 112. From days 56 to 83, heifers were offered 50% of the average hay DM intake obtained from days 50 to 55. From days 84 to 112, each respective protein supplement was mixed with a starch-based total mixed ration and the concentrate DM amount was gradually increased every 7 d (starting with 35% concentrate and 65% hay on day 84 and ending with 80% concentrate and 20% hay from days 106 to 112). Effects of treatment × day and treatment were not detected (P ≥ 0.37) for heifer BW, fecal pH, average daily gain (ADG), and DM intake, except for ADG from days 28 to 56, which was less (P = 0.05) for SUL vs. HYD heifers. Effects of treatment × day were detected (P = 0.02) for plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and haptoglobin. Plasma concentrations of IGF-1 were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for HYD vs. SUL heifers on days 56, 70, 77, 84, and 91. Plasma concentration of haptoglobin was greater (P = 0.05) for SUL vs. HYD heifers on day 63. Effects of treatment × day of the study and treatment were not detected (P ≥ 0.35) for plasma concentrations of cortisol, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Thus, Nelore heifers offered hydroxychloride sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn exhibited greater plasma concentrations of IGF-1 and a temporary increase in ADG during nutrient surplus compared to those receiving sulfate sources. While hydroxychloride supplementation reduced the acute phase response early in nutrient restriction, it did not improve growth and plasma concentrations of haptoglobin, cortisol, NEFA, and BHBA during nutrient restriction and adaptation to a high-starch diet.

Evaluation of Trace Mineral Sources

Several trace mineral sources, including inorganic, numerous organic, and hydroxychloride sources, are available for dietary supplementation or inclusion in a free-choice supplement. Inorganic forms of copper and manganese differ in their bioavailability. Although research results have been variable, organic and hydroxychloride trace minerals are generally considered more bioavailable than inorganic sources. Research indicates that fiber digestibility is lower in ruminants fed sulfate trace minerals compared with hydroxychloride and some organic sources. Compared with free-choice supplements, individual dosing with rumen boluses or injectable forms ensures that each animal receives the same quantity of a trace mineral.

Meta-analysis of the effects of sulfate versus hydroxy trace mineral source on nutrient digestibility in dairy and beef cattle

Trace mineral (TM) source can potentially alter nutrient digestibility through effects on microbial populations. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether sulfate versus hydroxy (IntelliBond) sources of supplemental Cu, Zn, and Mn had any effect on dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. All available cattle studies (8 studies, 12 comparisons) were used to estimate the effect size (hydroxy mean - sulfate mean). Factors included in the analysis were method of digestibility analysis (total collection, marker-based, or 24 h in situ), study design (randomized design or Latin square), beef (n = 5) versus dairy (n = 7) cattle, and days on treatment; these factors were retained when P < 0.05. Dry matter digestibility was increased by hydroxy TM in beef (1.64 ± 0.35 units) but not in dairy models (0.16 ± 0.13 units) relative to sulfate TM. The NDF digestibility increased significantly with hydroxy versus sulfate TM, but digestibility assessment method influenced this response. Studies using total collection or undigested NDF as a flow marker showed a significant increase (2.68 ± 0.40 units and 1.08 ± 0.31 units, respectively) in NDF digestibility for hydroxy versus sulfate TM; but studies utilizing 24-h in situ incubation did not detect any change (-0.03 ± 0.23 units). These observations may reveal differences in precision of measurement or may indicate mineral effects beyond the rumen; total collection is considered the gold standard method. Hydroxy TM did not affect DMI per animal or per unit of body weight relative to sulfate TM. In conclusion, feeding hydroxy versus sulfate TM does not appear to affect DMI but, depending on type of cattle and method of measurement, can increase dry matter digestibility and NDF digestibility, which may be explained by differences in solubility of the TM sources in rumen, differentially affecting fermentation.

Comparison of coated and uncoated trace elements on growth performance, apparent digestibility, intestinal development and microbial diversity in growing sheep

The suitable supplement pattern affects the digestion and absorption of trace minerals by ruminants. This study aimed to compare the effects of coated and uncoated trace elements on growth performance, apparent digestibility, intestinal development and microbial diversity in growing sheep. Thirty 4-month-old male Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep were randomly assigned to three treatments (n = 10) and fed with following diets: basal diet without adding exogenous trace elements (CON), basal diet plus 400 mg/kg coated trace elements (CTE, the rumen passage rate was 65.87%) and basal diet plus an equal amount of trace elements in uncoated form (UTE). Compared with the CON group, the average daily weight gain and apparent digestibility of crude protein were higher (P < 0.05) in the CTE and UTE groups, while there was no difference between the CTE and UTE groups. The serum levels of selenium, iodine and cobalt were higher (P < 0.05) in the CTE and UTE groups than those in the CON group, the serum levels of selenium and cobalt were higher (P < 0.05) in the CTE group than those in the UTE group. Compared with the CON and UTE groups, the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in duodenum and ileum were higher (P < 0.05) in the CTE groups. The addition of trace minerals in diet upregulated most of the relative gene expression of Ocludin, Claudin-1, Claudin-2, ZO-1, and ZO-2 in the duodenum and jejunum and metal ion transporters (FPN1 and ZNT4) in small intestine. The relative abundance of the genera Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Ruminococcus 1, Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group, and Ruminococcaceae in ileum, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 and Lactobacillus in colon was higher in the CTE group that in the CON group. These results indicated that dietary trace mineral addition improved the growth performance and intestinal development, and altered the structure of intestinal bacteria in growing sheep. Compared to uncoated form, offering trace mineral elements to sheep in coated form had a higher absorption efficiency, however, had little effect on improving growth performance of growing sheep.

Rumen fermentation, methane concentration, and blood metabolites of cattle receiving dietetical phytobiotic and cobalt (II) chloride

Background and Aim

Ensuring the genetic potential of ruminants through nutrition studies using medicinal plants and trace element metals is an urgent task. This study aimed to study the effect of Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae) herb plant separately and in combination with cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl₂) chelate compounds on the course of metabolic processes in the rumen, methane concentration, and biochemical blood parameters in bulls.

Materials and Methods

Control group (BD: Basal diet); experimental Group I - BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg dry matter (DM), experimental Group II - BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg DM + CoCl₂ (1.5 mg/kg), and experimental Group III - BD + CoCl₂ were set (1.5 mg/kg). The study was conducted on 16 beef bulls (Kazakh white-headed breed) aged 13-14 months, with an average live weight of 330-335 kg. Enzymatic processes in the rumen were studied, including the level of volatile fatty acids (using the gas chromatography method), nitrogen and its fractions (using the Kjeldahl method), methane concentration, and morphological and biochemical blood composition.

Results

There was a decrease in the concentration of acetic acid in experimental group I (15.9%) (p < 0.05) and in the III group (60.3%) and propionic acid in all experimental groups by 5.6%-47.3% (p < 0.05). Feeding A. absinthium herb as part of the diet of experimental Group I contributed to a decrease in methane concentration by 17.8% (p = 0.05) and the lowest methane concentration was noted for experimental Group III. It was less than in control by 59.1% (p < 0.05). An increase in the concentration of glucose, total protein, and creatinine was found in the experimental groups (p < 0.05). The digestibility of organic matter (3.5%), crude fiber (3.6%), and hemicellulose (11.0%) increased with the feeding of A. absinthium herb.

Conclusion

Thus, using biocomplexes based on A. absinthium herb and CoCl₂ do not harm the rumen fermentation of cattle. Still, further microbiome studies are required to evaluate the effects of A. absinthium on cattle properly.

Effect of zinc sources and experimental conditions on zinc balance in growing wethers

Three experiments were conducted with growing wethers to evaluate apparent excretion and retention of Zn from various sources. In experiments 1 and 2, Zn-ethylene diamine (ZE), Zn hydroxychloride (ZHYD), Zn-lysine/glutamate (ZAA), and Zn-glycinate (ZG) were used and ZnSO4 (ZS), ZHYD, ZAA, and ZG were used in experiment 3. In experiment 1, eight wethers were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. In experiments 2 and 3, 40 wethers were used in a randomized block design. In experiment 1, each period (total four periods) consisted of 14-d diet adaptation and 4 d of total collection of feces and urine. In experiments 2 and 3, wethers received a basal diet for 14 d and received experimental diets for 9 d (diet adaptation), followed by 4 d of total collection of feces and urine. Total collection was conducted in wooden metabolic cages. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS as a Latin square design for experiment 1 and a completed randomized block design for experiments 2 and 3. In all experiments, dry matter intake did not differ among treatments except that it tended to be different in experiment 2. In experiment 1, no difference in Zn excretion (88%) and retention (11%) as proportion of Zn intake was observed among Zn sources. In experiment 2, total tract digestibility of crude protein was greater (P < 0.01) for ZAA than ZE and ZG (82.0% vs. 79.1% and 77.8%, respectively) and greater (P < 0.01) for ZHYD than ZG (80.2% vs. 77.8%). However, total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was low (on average 16%) for all treatments with no difference among treatments in experiment 2. Apparent excretion and retention of Zn as proportion of Zn intake did not differ among treatments, and Zn retention (~1.4% of Zn intake) was very low for all treatments. In experiment 3, ZHYD and ZAA had greater retention of Zn (17.8% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.01) than ZG. Fecal Zn excretion was greater (97.3% vs. 81.2%; P = 0.01) for ZG vs. ZHYD and ZAA, and Zn retention for ZG was only 1.5% of Zn intake. In conclusion, potential increases in Zn absorption and retention were observed for ZHYD and ZAA compared with ZS and ZG in experiment 3 and these differences were not found in experiments 1 and 2. Experiment 1 used a Latin square design and experiment 2 used a diet containing largely undigestible fiber. These experimental conditions may have affected Zn metabolism in wethers. Inconsistent results on Zn balance for ZG among the experiments warrant further studies regarding its bioavailability.