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Chelated minerals are becoming more commonly used ingredients.
Minerals that are chelated are connected to an organic
molecule such as a protein. The chemical arrangement between
the mineral and the organic molecule is stable and prevents
interactions that can render the nutrient useless.
However, the best
concepts may only have limited value if not applied properly.
Properly developing products that are formulated with chelated
minerals takes into consideration the situations when these
ingredients work the best. Consider the addition of chelated
minerals to feed is a good insurance policy especially for the
given situations:
Minerals in Drinking Water
Drinking water that
has high levels of iron can reduce the utilization of dietary
copper and zinc. High levels of sulfur can affect the use of
copper. Even when fed at higher levels, inorganic forms of
zinc and copper cannot overcome the effects of high iron or
sulfur in drinking water. Chelated minerals are less likely to
react with minerals in water and alleviate problems associated
with this situation.
Bone Growth
Developing bones in
young animals need a variety of nutrients that include an
assortment of minerals. Bones do not have a very extensive
circulatory system. Consequently, a balanced diet with highly
usable nutrients is essential to assure that the bones receive
the proper levels to avoid serious growth disorders.
Disease and Infections
Maintaining the
immune system is an expensive ordeal. It utilizes vast amounts
of nutrients, especially during an acute phase response.
Research has shown that animals fed chelated forms of minerals
possess immune systems that respond more vigorously to
pathogenic challenges than those not given chelated minerals.
Breeding
Animals that are
even slightly deficient of a nutrient will not show optimum
reproductive performance. Zinc, copper and manganese are vital
for animals to breed properly. Larger litters, improved
conception and stronger estrus have been shown to be
associated with feeding chelated minerals.
Stress
Stress alters the
metabolism of animals. Metabolic changes due to stress
increase the demand for minerals. A lack of available minerals
in the diet under stressful conditions will reduce the body
stores of these nutrients that in turn affects the function of
several vital metabolic functions and the immune system.
Research has shown that chelated minerals are beneficial to
maintaining the performance of animals under stressful
conditions.
Tissue Repair
Minerals are
essential for the repair of damaged tissues. Hooves, paw pads,
claws and skin are often in need of repair. These tissues are
also not blessed with an extensive circulatory system that can
provide these tissues with a consistent and abundant supply of
nutrients. Chelated minerals have been shown to aid in the
rapid repair of these tissues.
Allergies
Allergies are a
stress on the immune system. The extra work by the immune
system utilizes more nutrients than animals normally require.
Continued high activity by the immune system over an extended
time can decrease zinc and copper in the body that in turn
reduces the availability of these nutrients for other vital
functions. The higher availability of chelated minerals keeps
these nutrients at levels enabling proper functions of other
vital systems.
Genetics
The vast degree of
variation among the different breeds causes uncertainty about
nutrient requirements under every conceivable situation. A
certain level of a mineral for one breed can be deficient or
even toxic for others. Chelated minerals are handled better by
animals than inorganic forms and are more suitable to meet the
nutrient needs of all breeds.
Digestive Upsets
The digestive tract
can easily be caused to function improperly. The digestive
tract can shut-down due to bacteria or viruses or parasitic
worms. Other digestive disorders can be caused by indigestion,
colic or impaction. Any of these problems can cause a
reduction in nutrient utilization. Research has showed that
chelated minerals are utilized better than other sources of
minerals and thus can benefit animals suffering from digestive
ailments.
Ancillary Dietary Substances
No matter if its a
horse, dog or cat, other dietary substances are given along
with the basic, properly balanced food. Hay can have an
imbalance of minerals such as a high iron content. Mineral
supplements may create more harm than good if they are not
compatible with the basic concentrate or food. Excessive
amounts of treats can cause imbalances. Chelated minerals are
more forgiving to mistakes caused by giving animals
"goodies" or inferior supplements than other forms
of minerals.
Chelated minerals
are a good way to insure that animals can receive the proper
levels of valuable dietary minerals under situations that are
not ideal. |
