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The following technical article is related to the event::

Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada 2022

Complete Replacement of Inorganic Sources of

Supplementary Trace Minerals by Organic Sources Alters
Systemic Trace Mineral Status, Rumen Fermentation,
and Energy Balance in Dairy Cows
Published on: 3/20/2023

Author/s : Bruna Mion 1, Bryn Van Winters 1, Kristina King 1, Jose F. W. Spricigo 1, Lori Ogilvie 1, Leluo Guan 2,
Trevor J. DeVries 1, Michael A. Steele 1, Stephen J. LeBlanc 3, and Eduardo S. Ribeiro 1 / 1 Department of Animal
Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON; 2 Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science,
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB; 3 Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON.

Summary

Trace minerals (TM) are required for optimal health and performance of dairy cows
and the source of supplementation can affect their availability to rumen microbes and
absorption in the digestive tract. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of
replacement of supplementary inorganic TM (ITM) by organic TM (OTM) in pre- and
postpartum diets on feeding behavior, rumen physiology, energy metabolism, TM
status, and performance. Pregnant cows and heifers (n=273) were randomly assigned
to ITM or OTM diets at 45 d before expected calving (study d 0). Groups received the
same diet, except by the source of TM fed at 100% recommended levels. The ITM
group received Co, Cu, Mn and Zn sulfates and Na selenite, and the OTM group
received Co, Cu, Mn and Zn proteinates and selenized yeast (Bioplex® and Sel-Plex®,
Alltech). Automated feed bins were used to assign treatments and to measure
ingestive behavior. Rumination was monitored by sensors and ruminal fluid was
collected on d -21, 23, and 65. Metabolites and TM were evaluated on d -45, -21, -14,
-10, -7, -3, 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 23, 65 and 105. OTM tended to have longer feeding time (197
vs 188 min/d) and greater dry matter intake (DMI) (13.3 vs 12.9 kg/d), had a more
positive energy balance (4.2 vs 3.6 Mcal/d) and shorter rumination time (37.5 vs 40.1
min/kg of DM) than ITM in the prepartum period. In the postpartum period, OTM
increased DMI in multiparous (24.7 vs 24.1 kg/d) but not in primiparous cows (18.9
Dairy
kg/d). Milk yield Cattle
was not affected in multiparous cows (44 kg/d), however, OTM
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primiparous cows had lesser yield than ITM primiparous cows (29.8 vs 31.9 kg/d).
OTM had a greater milk protein percentage (3.17 vs 3.11%), reduced NEFA in serum
(0.40 vs 0.45 mmol/L) and rumination activity (27.8 vs 30.1 min/kg DM). On d 23,
OTM had reduced molar proportion of acetate and pH, and tended to have greater
concentration of total VFA in ruminal fluid. OTM had greater Se in serum and milk,
reduced Se in urine, and greater prepartum Co and reduced postpartum Co in serum.
In conclusion, complete replacement of ITM by OTM caused moderate changes in
rumen physiology, behavior, energy metabolism, TM status, and performance, and
seemed to reduce the energy deficit during the transition period.

Key words: minerals, feed intake, rumen.

Presented at the 2022 Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada. For information on

the next edition, click here.

Author/s :

Leluo Guan

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Trevor DeVries

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Michael A. Steele

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Stephen LeBlanc

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Eduardo de Souza Ribeiro

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Bruna Mion

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