ISSUE FOCUS 30 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2023 a formulation, factors to consider include content, solubility, relative bioavailability, particle size and economic value. The way a mineral is designed can have a big impact on these factors. Selko IntelliBond minerals are covalently bond minerals present in a crystalline structure. This structure allows the mineral to have low solubility in water and only become soluble under a low pH. As the structure of the trace mineral supports less reactivity with other ingredients and essential nutrients in the diet, it ensures a higher relative bioavailability for the animal compared to inorganic trace minerals. UNDERSTANDING COSTLY REACTIONS IN THE FEED While heat stress affects the animal, people often forget the effects heat can have on the feed and premix, especially when warm temperatures coincide with high humidities. Vitamins, for example, are highly susceptible to reactivity with minerals. In challenging conditions, such as high temperatures, formulators increase the levels of vitamins to mitigate oxidative stress. Studies have indicated that vitamin A reduced at twice the rate at 43 degrees Celsius compared to 25 degrees Celsius. When a soluble mineral source such as sulphates is included in the formulation, moisture can lead to the metal (e.g., copper, zinc or manganese) easily separating from its sulphate ligand, creating a free metal ion of positively charged particles. The loosed metal ions can rapidly attach to and degrade biological material such as vitamins, further reducing the levels of minerals present. Figure 1 illustrates the effect of 200 ppm of copper coming from either sulphate or IntelliBond, and shows that the sulphate degraded the vitamin E levels up to 70% of the initial dose. IntelliBond however performed similar to the control which contained no minerals, indicating that IntelliBond does not affect vitamin levels. As indicated earlier, fat levels in feeds can be increased in heat stress conditions as a source of energy. However, because fats are susceptible to oxidation, the formation of peroxides and free radicals can occur, adversely affecting palatability and leading to oxidative stress. This oxidation damage, much like the effects on vitamins, is irreversible. Studies performed with IntelliBond versus sulphate sources indicated a reduction in the formation of anisidine, a marker used for fat oxidation. Taken together, the inclusion of IntelliBond leads to less reactivity with other feed ingredients that play a critical role in battling the negative effects of heat stress. MIXABILITY MATTERS – INTELLIBOND BENEFITS IN THE FEED As animals reduce their feed intake during heat stress and fewer nutrients are taken in, it is essential that minerals be properly mixed in rations. A mineral can only exert benefits if it is consumed by the animal. Studies show that size matters when it comes to trace minerals. IntelliBond, due to its unique OptiSize technology, has an improved mixability in complete rations compared to inorganic mineral sources. 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Time of Storage (D) Vitamin E Stability In Feed Control Cu-Sulfate Selko IntelliBond C Vitamin E content (AS-FED BASIS) 0 10 20 30 40 Figure 1. Vitamin E stability in feed
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