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 & 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 and poultry 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?
- 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).
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 bio-availability.
Superior Absorption
Mineral absorption can occur at any region of the intestine, but they are usually absorbed better in the duodenum, provided ions are still stable after gastric environment. As stated before, any factor, antagonizing the metal capacity to bind the ligand will reduce the absorption.
