NEWS 8 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2025 A model developed by Trouw Nutrition research and development (R&D) is reportedly helping prevent trace mineral overload in the dairy cow diet. The company highlights the precision nutrition model as being inspired by study findings that suggest over-supplementing trace minerals is a widespread challenge threatening animal health, performance, environmental sustainability, and farm economics. The benefits of implementing a responsible supplementation program can pay off beyond the farm according to Gavin Boerboom, Global Category Director, Trace Minerals at Trouw Nutrition. “Around the world, dairy producers are under pressure from regulatory bodies and consumers to produce more sustainably and prioritise animal welfare,” he notes. “Responsibly supplementing the proper level of trace minerals can ensure cows’ mineral needs are met while reducing mineral excretion in the environment and avoiding unnecessary feed costs.” While it is important to ensure that an animal’s mineral requirements are met, studies indicate that over-supplementation is a more prevalent problem than underfeeding. Findings from studies involving 139 herds in California and eastern Canada reveal that the average and median copper (Cu) levels in the dairy diets were 70%– 80% above the NASEM (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) recommendation of 10 ppm for a lactating cow producing 32 kg of milk. Read more>> The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) acknowledged the continuous spread of New World screwworm (NWS) (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in the Americas. Since its resurgence in Central America, first notified by Panama in June 2023, the disease has now been reported in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico, with more than 20,000 new outbreaks reported in the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). The prevention and control of this parasitic zoonotic disease that poses a serious threat to animals, humans, and the environment, is challenging and requires long-term coordinated efforts by affected and at-risk countries. Recognising this need, and acknowledging the ongoing work undertaken by countries and regional partners, WOAH says that the Global Framework for Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) mechanism has been mobilised in the Americas through a standing group of experts on screwworm to facilitate experience and knowledge sharing between experts, veterinary services, other national authorities, and international organisations, and formulate tailored recommendations for prevention and control. WOAH remarks, “Regional partners of GF-TADs are working actively to strengthen the capacities of our members both affected and at risk, ensuring that veterinary services are equipped to detect, contain, and respond swiftly and effectively to outbreaks.” The control of the disease requires strict, thorough clinical inspection of animals, and active wound treatment. Read more>> Trouw Nutrition targets trace mineral overload in dairy cows WOAH urges cross-sector collaboration against New World Screwworm Photo: Courtesy of Trouw Nutrition Photo: WOAH
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