Inorganic Versus Complexed Trace Mineral Supplements on Performance of Dairy Cows1

Professional Animal Scientist, Feb 2004 by Kincaid, R L, Socha, M T

Concentrations of IgG and IgM in serum and colostrum were measured as indicators of immune function. Whereas IgM was similar in the colostrum of cows (Table 8), IgG was increased (P

In conclusion, overall milk yield and production efficiency were similar in cows fed either inorganic or a combination of inorganic and CTM. However, at peak lactation, cows appeared to benefit from CTM supplementation, as indicated by increased production of milk and milk components. Cows fed the CTM lost less BW prepartum, had greater IgG in colostrum, and had a tendency for greater IgM in serum than cows fed inorganic trace elements.

Implications

Although overall production efficiencies were similar between treatments in this study, the chemical form of trace elements affected specific physiological responses to supplementation. A better understanding is needed of how chemical form affects binding of trace elements to absorption antagonists. Similarly, more work is needed on the dissociation within the body of trace elements from their organic complex. Clearly, some differences exist in metabolism of inorganic and CTM, and, in some situations, these differences affect immunity and animal performance. These differences in metabolism between inorganic and CTM need to be understood to enable the formulation of diets that will maximize productive responses to trace element supplementation under various physiological and environmental conditions.

1 Supported by Federal Hatch funds, the College of Agriculture and Home Economics, Washington State University (Pullman), and Zinpro Corporation (Eden Prairie, MN).

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