Mineral absorption key to getting more from supplementation
Effective cattle nutrition requires understanding mineral bioavailability rather than just total intake, as certain compounds can act as antagonists. Elements like molybdenum, sulfur, and iron can interfere with the absorption of essential trace minerals like copper and selenium.
Why it matters
Optimizing mineral absorption is critical for livestock health, productivity, and the economic efficiency of agricultural operations.
Providing cattle with the right trace minerals is an important part of herd nutrition, but what cattle consume and what they are actually able to absorb can be two different things.
A recent Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) article looks at how mineral absorption affects the effectiveness of supplementation programs and how other compounds in feed and water can interfere with the availability of important nutrients.
Trace minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese and selenium support reproduction, immunity, milk production, calf development and overall cattle performance. Deficiencies can occur when cattle do not consume enough of a particular mineral, but they can also develop when other elements in the diet prevent minerals from being properly absorbed.
Mineral antagonists are compounds or minerals that interfere with the absorption or use of essential trace minerals.
According to BCRC, common antagonists include molybdenum, sulfur and iron.
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