For many years animal feed has been, and still is, supplemented with inorganic sources of trace mineral salts (ITM) such as Zinc-Oxide or Cu- Sulphate. Concerns about animal health and welfare and the consequent effect on animal performance have lead to the development of various organic trace minerals (OTM) with the objective to maximize their bio efficacy. There are many schools of thought on the value of inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) vs. organic trace minerals (OTMs) in livestock production. Research has shown that ITMs are often absorbed by the animal at fraction of an OTM, causing loss through excreta and a risk of compromised performance. Additionally, antagonists are more likely to bind an ITM vs an OTM in the upper GI tract, limiting absorption. Because of these limiting factors on ITMs, over formulation is a strategy sometimes implemented to compensate, when, it can also lead to more problems.

Once the value of an OTM is understood, it is key to further understand the differences in OTM category and the relative availability within each class. Chelates are considered the most bioavailable trace mineral in the market. They are protected by an organic ligand which protects them from antagonists and ensures delivery to the small intestine for optimal absorption.

‘All Chelates are OTMs, but not all OTMs are Chelates’

What makes MINTREX® unique?

Unique molecular structure Proven molecular structure with high degree of product chelation Unique molecular structure ensuring optimal efficiency

• MINTREX® is the only mineral that fit the chelate definition as outlined by the AAFCO and latest EU regulation of feed additives
• The most Trusted Brand with 15 Years of strong customer bonding
• Best in Class FAMI-QS Certified, OMRI listed premium quality trace minerals

MINTREX® has lot of unique features and stand apart among the rest of the organic minerals.

MINTREX® : The Key Differentiators

Unique molecular structure

MINTREX® is the only globally available bischelated molecules: one mineral atom bound by coordinate covalent bonds to two molecules of methionine hydroxy analogue (HMTBa).

Proven molecular structure with high degree of product chelation

Unique molecular structure ensuring optimal efficiency

• Protects the minerals from antagonistic feed ingredients
• Proven higher absorption of minerals in the small intestine
• Reliable, superior transport of Zn, Cu and Mn to the target tissues (Increased deposition /storage in tibia, femur, liver)

Better Stability

• Most inorganic minerals and few of the organic minerals are unstable at acidic pH. i.e proximal digestive tract due to mineral solubilization. It makes the mineral vulnerable for interaction with ANFs like phytic acid.
• MINTREX®, the chelation with HMTBa makes it highly stable at acidic region especially in the proximal digestive tract. Due to better stability at acidic region, more chelates are available for absorption, this is the key to better bioavailability

Superior Absorption

Schematic view on absorption process of MINTREX® trace minerals within the intestinal tract: the mineral binds at specific receptors on the intestinal wall after which it is absorbed while the 2 disconnected HMTBa molecules will be passively absorbed for full use by the animal

Due to their stability, MINTREX® minerals are not altered during their passage through the digestive tract and are completely absorbed through the intestine.

Most bioavailable organic trace mineral

MINTREX® is highly bioavailable bis-chelated organic trace minerals for higher production yields, with a unique methionine contribution. Thanks to the unique molecular structure of MINTREX®. The result from the MT mRNA assay confirm this effect with the MINTREX® Zn having better bioavailability when compared to the other zinc sources studied.

Bioavailability experiment using metallothionein mRNA assay as measure of Zn availability clearly demonstrates the superior bioavailability of MINTREX® Zn than any other source of zinc (as shown in the graph) MT assay shows greatest Zn absorption with MINTREX® Zn

The trace mineral having >90% of nutritional value

MINTREX® chelated trace minerals use HMTBa as the ligand. HMTBa is the hydroxy Analogue of Methionine.

MINTREX® is the only organic trace mineral having a proven record of ligand value. The ligand in MINTREX®, HMTBa possesses a methionine value, which further helps to reduce the supplemental synthetic methionine inclusion in the feed.

HMTBa is converted to methionine in the tissues of animals and provides the additional benefit of replacing supplemental synthetic methionine needed in the diet gives additional savings

A unique methionine contribution HMTBa from MINTREX® is fully available as a methionine source for the animal

In summary, MINTREX®, is a new generation of highly bio-available organic trace minerals for all animal species. A number of feeding trial under practical conditions have shown significant benefits in the performance of livestock. Organic trace minerals are playing an essential role in modern animal nutrition and are fulfilling the challenges of maximizing performance in an economic way and improving animal welfare. Lower inclusion rates of trace minerals in animal feeds contribute to environmental protection and more sustainable production.

Abbreviations:

• ITM : Inorganic Trace Mineral
• OTM : Organic Trace Mineral
• AAFCO : American Association of Feed Control Officials
• EU : European Union
• GI Tract : Gastro-Intestinal Tract
• Cu : Copper
• Zn : Zinc
• HMTBa : 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid
• FAMI-QS : Feed Additives and Pre-mixtures Quality System
• OMRI : Organic Materials Review Institute
• FT-IR : Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
• AOAC : Association of Analytical Communities
• MT : Metallothionein

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