Chelated Minerals
When Differences Matter
University of Georgia animal scientists used the 216-cow herd at the Northwest Georgia Research and Education Station to see if there was a difference in the chelated versus the inorganic forms of copper, zinc and manganese.
The 2011 study started 30 days before spring calving season (January, February and March) and continued through calving season 2012. Cows were put on either an inorganic form of mineral or a chelated mineral, the amounts given based on 4 ounces consumption per head per day.
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No differences were found for birthweight of calves or adjusted weaning weights. However, the group fed chelated mineral produced more pounds of calf weaned per cow, 528 pounds. The group fed inorganic minerals produced 502 pounds of calf weaned per cow.
Steer calves were followed through finishing and harvest. Overall, carcass characteristics were similar. However, a higher percentage of steers from dams fed chelated minerals graded low Choice and higher, 87.5%, than steers from dams fed inorganic minerals, 79.3%.
Animal scientist Lawton Stewart, the lead researcher in the study, wasn't surprised at the findings.
"We already had the herd on a pretty good mineral program, and we leave minerals out year-round. But if you know you have an issue, chelated minerals may help."
He explained in areas where high sulfur levels may tie up copper and selenium, a chelated mineral could help bypass the sulfur. There are also palatability issues with inorganic minerals, and chelated minerals can help that.
(VM/CZ)
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