Organic minerals in feedlot systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v20n2e1901Keywords:
Beef cattle, bioavailability, performance, chelated mineralsAbstract
Mineral nutrition plays a fundamental role in the productive performance, health, and efficiency of beef cattle feedlot systems. Traditionally, inorganic minerals have been used in diet formulation; however, their bioavailability may be limited by chemical interactions in the rumen and gastrointestinal tract, resulting in reduced utilization and increased mineral excretion into the environment. In this context, organic minerals, characterized by the binding of minerals to organic compounds such as amino acids, peptides, or yeasts, emerge as a nutritional alternative with greater stability and improved intestinal absorption. Studies indicate that supplementation with organic minerals, especially trace minerals such as zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium, can improve weight gain, feed efficiency, and immune response in feedlot cattle, particularly under conditions of metabolic and health-related stress. Furthermore, evidence suggests positive effects on carcass characteristics and meat quality, as well as reduced mineral excretion, contributing to the environmental sustainability of intensive production systems. Despite these reported benefits, the literature shows variability in outcomes, mainly attributed to differences in organic mineral sources, chemical forms, supplementation levels, interactions with the basal diet, and animal management conditions. Therefore, further studies are needed, particularly in feedlot systems under tropical conditions, to elucidate mechanisms of action, establish optimal inclusion levels, and comprehensively evaluate the productive, metabolic, economic, and environmental impacts of organic mineral supplementation in beef cattle. The objective of this study is to identify the main aspects related to the use of organic minerals in feedlot systems.
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