The supplementation with Organic Trace Minerals enhances the productivity and the health status in animal production. Glymet Zinc 40% as source of trace mineral.

Organic trace minerals (OTMs) are essential nutrients required by animals in relatively small quantities for physiological functions. They play critical roles in enzyme activity, hormone synthesis, immune functions, and other biochemical processes. Their absence or deficiency can lead to health problems, negatively impacting growth, reproduction, and animal well-being. Main OTMs include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, iodine, and chromium. Recognizing their importance in animal performance, NOREL has developed a range of OTM supplements using organic molecules called chelates. Chelates are highly stable products capable of maintaining metal ions such as Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe surrounded by an organic molecule (chelating agent, in the case of NOREL, Glycine -Glymet- and Methionine -Biomet-). These organic molecules have the main advantage of higher bioavailability, defined as the percentage of the mineral that is truly usable for the animal.

In this article, we specifically address the role of zinc supplementation in animal production and the latest trial developed by NOREL in collaboration with Omega laboratories (India). Zinc is a trace mineral that participates in numerous enzymatic processes as a cofactor, including the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Additionally, it possesses antioxidant activity and is involved in mechanisms regulating gene expression and cell division. Adequate zinc levels support proper bone development, appetite regulation, and reproductive activity. In dairy cattle, zinc deficiency could lead to reduced production. Optimal zinc levels promote the proper development of skin and hooves, contribute to immune system regulation, and promote higher concentrations of immunoglobulins and antioxidants.

The last NOREL trial was focussed on the determination of the impact on the supplementation with Glymet Zn 40% on the productivity, the bioavailability, the intestinal development, the immune and the health status in poultry production compared with other sources of Zinc -inorganics- such as ZnO or ZnSO4 establishing the same dosage of Zn (100 ppm) but in these different forms. Those results were exposed in International Poultry Scientific Forum (Jan 30-Feb.1, Atlanta, Georgia, USA). The measured parameters were: as indicator of productivity, the average daily gain of the animal (ADG), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and the European Efficiency Index of Fattening (EEF). As indicators of bioavailability, Zinc retention (Zhang et al., 2018), and the retention in muscle, bone and serum. As indicators of intestinal development, the growth of duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Finally, as indicator of immune and health status, the concentration of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM), the production of antibodies against new castle Disease and Infection Bursa Disease, and the production T-SOD and Zn-SOD (antioxidants). The highlighted results were a greater efficiency, with higher ADG (7.5-10.5 g/d) and lower FCR (7.6-7.9%), and subsequently, higher EEF (13-20%). The absorption of Zinc was also greater for Glymet Zn in 12-13%. The intestinal development was superior, with larger duodenum width (25 to 44%) and length (10 to 19%), and larger jejunum and ileum values for length (11 to 23% higher) and width (13 to 39% higher). Finally, the production of antibodies was enhanced (ND and IBD) improving the vaccination power and also, the production of antioxidants (T-SOD and Zn-SOD). In conclusion, these results emphasize the advantages of using Glymet Zn 40% over inorganic sources and their superior potential in coping with stressful situations. the results demonstrate the benefits of using Glymet Zn to promote optimal immune status and improved intestinal health and productivity and economic efficiency.

Javier López Paredes