What are chelated trace minerals?
A chelate is a compound in which a metal ion is held by a ligand through two or more bonds, forming a ring structure. In feed, the term 'organic trace minerals' covers several chemically different products in which a metal is bound to organic molecules; not all of them are true chelates, and the strength and stability of the bond differ between products.
The idea behind them is that a well-bound metal is less likely to form insoluble complexes with phytate, fibre or other minerals in the digestive tract, and can be delivered to the absorptive surface of the intestine in a soluble, available form.
Types of organic trace minerals
- Metal amino acid chelates and complexes: the metal is bound to one or more amino acids from hydrolysed protein or to a specific amino acid.
- Glycinates: the metal is chelated with glycine, the smallest amino acid, giving a chemically well-defined, relatively concentrated product.
- Proteinates: the metal is bound to partially hydrolysed protein (amino acids and peptides).
- Hydroxy analogue chelates: the metal is chelated with the hydroxy analogue of methionine; the ligand can also contribute methionine activity.
- Metal polysaccharide complexes: the metal is associated with a polysaccharide; usually a weaker type of binding.
What do they offer in animal feed?
- Higher relative bioavailability than inorganic salts is generally reported, although results vary with product, mineral and diet.
- Lower sensitivity to dietary antagonists such as phytate, high calcium, and molybdenum and sulphur in ruminants.
- The possibility of reducing total inclusion levels, which can lower mineral excretion to the environment.
- Lower reactivity with vitamins in the premix compared with sulphates, which can support vitamin stability.
- Use in periods of high demand: breeders, sows, transition dairy cows, and hoof, skin and eggshell quality programmes.
How are they used in formulation?
Organic trace minerals are commonly used either to replace part of the inorganic source at the same mineral level, or to supply the requirement at a lower total level. The approach is chosen by the nutritionist based on species, production stage, cost and the evidence available for the specific product.
Because chemical forms and bond strengths differ, results from one organic product cannot simply be assumed for another. Total mineral levels in complete feed remain subject to the same legal maximums as for inorganic sources; local regulations and the product label prevail.
Quality criteria
- Guaranteed metal content, verified by analysis, and a clear description of the ligand.
- Evidence of chelation or complexation and of stability, supported by the supplier's analytical data; no single standard test method is universally accepted.
- Solubility profile and data on performance in the target species.
- Undesirable substances: lead, cadmium and arsenic within legal limits.
- Flowability, particle size and certificate of analysis (CoA) with lot traceability.
CTF Premix and chelated trace minerals
Chelated and other organic trace minerals can be included in CTF Premix's mineral and vitamin-mineral premixes according to the customer's formulation, alone or combined with inorganic sources. Premixes are produced at our Ankara facility under ISO 9001:2015 and GMP, and every lot has a certificate of analysis and lot traceability.
This page is for general information. Inclusion rates and product choice should be decided with a nutritionist, taking into account the species, the feed formulation and the applicable regulations.