Why Feed Chelated Minerals?

by Dr. Ron Rompala

Chelated minerals are becoming more commonly used ingredients. Minerals that are chelated are connected to an organic molecule such as a protein. The chemical arrangement between the mineral and the organic molecule is stable and prevents interactions that can render the nutrient useless.

However, the best concepts may only have limited value if not applied properly. Properly developing products that are formulated with chelated minerals takes into consideration the situations when these ingredients work the best. Consider the addition of chelated minerals to feed is a good insurance policy especially for the given situations:

Minerals in Drinking Water

Drinking water that has high levels of iron can reduce the utilization of dietary copper and zinc. High levels of sulfur can affect the use of copper. Even when fed at higher levels, inorganic forms of zinc and copper cannot overcome the effects of high iron or sulfur in drinking water. Chelated minerals are less likely to react with minerals in water and alleviate problems associated with this situation.

Bone Growth

Developing bones in young animals need a variety of nutrients that include an assortment of minerals. Bones do not have a very extensive circulatory system. Consequently, a balanced diet with highly usable nutrients is essential to assure that the bones receive the proper levels to avoid serious growth disorders.

Disease and Infections

Maintaining the immune system is an expensive ordeal. It utilizes vast amounts of nutrients, especially during an acute phase response. Research has shown that animals fed chelated forms of minerals possess immune systems that respond more vigorously to pathogenic challenges than those not given chelated minerals.

Breeding

Animals that are even slightly deficient of a nutrient will not show optimum reproductive performance. Zinc, copper and manganese are vital for animals to breed properly. Larger litters, improved conception and stronger estrus have been shown to be associated with feeding chelated minerals.

Stress

Stress alters the metabolism of animals. Metabolic changes due to stress increase the demand for minerals. A lack of available minerals in the diet under stressful conditions will reduce the body stores of these nutrients that in turn affects the function of several vital metabolic functions and the immune system. Research has shown that chelated minerals are beneficial to maintaining the performance of animals under stressful conditions.

Tissue Repair

Minerals are essential for the repair of damaged tissues. Hooves, paw pads, claws and skin are often in need of repair. These tissues are also not blessed with an extensive circulatory system that can provide these tissues with a consistent and abundant supply of nutrients. Chelated minerals have been shown to aid in the rapid repair of these tissues.

Allergies

Allergies are a stress on the immune system. The extra work by the immune system utilizes more nutrients than animals normally require. Continued high activity by the immune system over an extended time can decrease zinc and copper in the body that in turn reduces the availability of these nutrients for other vital functions. The higher availability of chelated minerals keeps these nutrients at levels enabling proper functions of other vital systems.

Genetics

The vast degree of variation among the different breeds causes uncertainty about nutrient requirements under every conceivable situation. A certain level of a mineral for one breed can be deficient or even toxic for others. Chelated minerals are handled better by animals than inorganic forms and are more suitable to meet the nutrient needs of all breeds.

Digestive Upsets

The digestive tract can easily be caused to function improperly. The digestive tract can shut-down due to bacteria or viruses or parasitic worms. Other digestive disorders can be caused by indigestion, colic or impaction. Any of these problems can cause a reduction in nutrient utilization. Research has showed that chelated minerals are utilized better than other sources of minerals and thus can benefit animals suffering from digestive ailments.

Ancillary Dietary Substances

No matter if its a horse, dog or cat, other dietary substances are given along with the basic, properly balanced food. Hay can have an imbalance of minerals such as a high iron content. Mineral supplements may create more harm than good if they are not compatible with the basic concentrate or food. Excessive amounts of treats can cause imbalances. Chelated minerals are more forgiving to mistakes caused by giving animals "goodies" or inferior supplements than other forms of minerals.

Chelated minerals are a good way to insure that animals can receive the proper levels of valuable dietary minerals under situations that are not ideal.

© June, 2002. Blue Seal Feeds, Inc.

© Blue Seal Feeds, Inc. – June, 2002