How to Improve Trace Mineral Bioavailability
Absorption of copper and selenium is much lower in multi- stomach animals (cows, sheep and goats) than in simple- stomach animals (chicken and pigs) largely due to complex interactions that occur in the rumen environment. For example:
- High-dietary molybdenum in the rumen, in combination with high-dietary sulfur, causes the formation of thiomolybdates that can decrease copper absorption; and, certain thiomolybdate species that can be absorbed can also interfere with copper metabolism
- High-dietary sulfur reduces copper absorption by the formation of copper sulfide
- High-dietary iron reduces copper availability
Microencapsulation technology is used to coat trace minerals like copper to prevent the formation of complex interactions and increase their mineral bioavailability.
Maxx technology delivers rumen-stable and rumen-bypass minerals that can reach their target zone effectively from point to point through the gastrointestinal tract. This allows for a low inclusion level that provides cost effective flexibility in formulations, and delivers trace minerals and other nutrients to the distal portions of the gastrointestinal tract of monogastric animals, such as poultry and pigs, where they have a slowing effect on the growth of pathogens. As a result, overall animal health improves. Feed conversion is increased. And time to market is much less.