Beef: Chelated Minerals - Magic or Myth

One of the hot topics in the beef industry is the feeding of chelated minerals. Recently, a producer asked me if it makes economic sense to feed them. The answer is it depends. Chelates are examples of organic mineral compounds. Organic minerals are complexes that contain two or more chemical bonds with the metal (mineral) atom. The advantage of organic forms of mineral over inorganic forms is that they may have a higher absorption rate from the intestine, and tend to be more biologically active in the tissues. The organic compound is actively absorbed with other nutrients in the small intestine. Inorganic minerals can combine with other compounds to form insoluble blocks that are not absorbed from the gut.

Can't you just feed more of the inorganic mineral to compensate for the tying up of the mineral? No. Research shows that feeding twice the amount of a regular mineral form of copper or zinc will depress the overall benefit of the mineral. Also, high levels of one mineral may tie up another mineral (example iron and copper).

What are the benefits of organic minerals? Some research shows that up to 25 % more viable embryos/flushes, plus higher conception rates, and fewer services per conception with organics. And bulls can have increased testicular size and improved semen quality. As well, the immune system seems to be stronger in cattle fed chelates. According to Dave Wieland in the August 2000 edition of BEEF, calves from cows fed chelates were less likely to have scour problems and had overall less sickness and death.

Weaning is another stressful time where organic minerals can have a beneficial influence on the immune system. This will make the vaccination programs work better and improve overall health.

Zinc methionine, an organic mineral, has been shown to improve hoof quality and aid in the prevention and treatment of foot rot. In areas where this is a problem, adding zinc methionine to your mineral package could help.

Organic minerals are not a magic bullet to solve all herd health problems. The starting point of any mineral program is to balance to your herd's requirements based on forage tests. A quality free choice inorganic mineral program will meet most cow requirements. You may consider feeding organic minerals at critical points in the production cycle … from one month prior to calving to the end of breeding and to weaned calves for a month after weaning.

With your mineral program feed a moderate safety margin above NRC's minimum requirements. Be especially aware of minerals that may be deficient in feeds grown in your area (example: selenium). Make sure that your feed company is using high quality mineral sources. Consult with your nutritionist to design a mineral program that meets your requirements.

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