With Novus BioOptimizedTM Trace Minerals, Less Really is More

MAAC^® and MINTREX^® chelated trace minerals from Novus promote health and nutrition in beef cattle at all stages of life and production. These trace minerals are part of the BioOptimized line of trace minerals available from Novus. To be BioOptimized, minerals must be highly bioavailable and more efficiently supply minerals to the animal. Because these trace minerals are more bioavailable a producer can feed less mineral but see more consistent performance than with inorganic.

Trace Minerals are Essential for Health and Production

Proper trace mineral nutrition can lead to several production advantages including enhanced immune system function and response to vaccination, reduced morbidity and mortality, enhanced reproductive efficiency, improved hoof health, improved oxidative balance and improved carcass quality. The National Research Council estimates that trace minerals such as copper, manganese and zinc have low natural bioavailability and absorption in the animal and must be supplemented to meet requirements. Also, commonly fed by-products, such as distillers grains, can contain high levels of sulfur that act as antagonists to minerals, making them less available to the animal.

The Trouble with Inorganic

Trace minerals provided as inorganic salts (sulfates or oxides) are susceptible to antagonists, which makes the trace mineral unavailable to the animal. Formulated supplements may include inorganic salts as sources of zinc, copper and manganese, but much of the trace mineral is excreted and lost to the animal due to numerous chemical antagonisms and interactions with other components of the diet in the digestive tract. This can result in producers spending more than necessary to over-feed minerals and higher levels of unabsorbed minerals being excreted into the environment.

The BioOptimized Trace Minerals Program

The BioOptimized Trace Minerals Program is designed to provide the animal with the right amount of trace minerals without the waste. In addition to providing a solution to overfeeding minerals, the BioOptimized Trace Minerals Program offers flexibility. For beef producers who value the effect of methionine on protein synthesis in their herds, they can choose MINTREX. If solubility is more important, MAAC is the right fit.
Beef producers can integrate a more efficient trace mineral program in their operations through three steps:

1. Reduce current inclusion levels of inorganic trace minerals.
2. Replace minerals with Novus BioOptimized Trace Minerals: MINTREX or MAAC.
3. Reformulate rations based on the greater bioavailability of BioOptimized Trace Minerals.

BioOptimized Trace Minerals in a Class All their Own

MAAC chelated trace minerals were the first chelates recognized by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
MINTREX chelated trace minerals recently received a definition for MINTREX Cu, Zn and Mn chelated trace minerals from the Association of America Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It was based on extensive data on the safety; efficacy and stability of MINTREX chelated trace minerals.