Effects of added chelated trace minerals, organic selenium, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract in horses. Part I: Blood nutrient concentration and digestibility1

Abstract

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that feed additives such as chelated minerals, organic Se, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract would improve nutrient digestibility when included in an equine diet. Horses (Quarter Horse geldings 4.5 to 16 yr of age; mean BW 522 kg ± 46 kg) were acclimated to 100% pelleted diets formulated with (ADD) and without (CTRL) commercially available sources of the aforementioned additives followed by a 14-d collection period of feces and urine. Chelated sources of Cu, Zn, Mn and Co were utilized versus sulfated forms, at a 100% replacement rate. No significant differences among apparent the digestibility of DM, ADF, or NDF (P= 0.665, P = 0.866, P = 0.747, respectively) were detected between dietary treatments. Likewise, no differences in apparent digestibility of Cu (P = 0.724), Zn (P = 0.256), Mn (P = 0.888), Co (P = 0.71), or Se (P = 0.588) were observed. No differences were observed in serum Cu, Mn, or Co concentrations between ADD and CTRL at acclimation or collection time points (P > 0.05). While no difference in serum Zn concentrations were observed between ADD and CTRL groups at acclimation (P > 0.05), they were statistically higher at the collection time period for horses consuming CTRL (P < 0.0001). Whole blood Se concentration was greater in the CTRL group versus the ADD group both at acclimation (P = 0.041) and collection (P = 0.005) time periods. In reference to time, serum Cu concentrations increased (P = 0.012) for animals consuming CTRL, but not ADD (P > 0.05). Serum Zn concentrations of horses consuming both ADD (P = 0.021) and CTRL (P < 0.0001) increased over time from acclimation to collection time points. No time differences (P > 0.05) were observed in serum Mn concentrations. Serum Co concentrations increased over time in horses consuming both ADD (P = 0.001) and CTRL (P = 0.021). From acclimation to collection, whole blood Se concentration increased for horses consuming CTRL (P = 0.01) but not for ADD (P > 0.05). The results of this study indicate no effect on nutrient digestibility due to the inclusion of chelated minerals, organic Se, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract for horses at maintenance.

Dietary Trace Mineral Level and Source Affect Fecal Bacterial Mineral Incorporation and Mineral Leaching Potential of Equine Feces

“…There is some literature regarding horses that suggests that organic minerals may be better absorbed than inorganic minerals [23,24] and would therefore be able to be fed at a lower rate than inorganic minerals, further reducing potential fecal excretion. However, other equine studies have found no difference in digestibility between inorganic and organic trace minerals [23,25,26] or have reported improved digestibility for inorganic trace minerals [27]. It is important to note that many of these studies, including the current study, have fed above the current trace mineral requirement [12], which would mask any effect of mineral source on digestibility.…”

The soil-plant-feed transport of selenium and other essential micronutrients in diet of sport and recreational horses at two different locations

“…Youssef et al (2012) observed a significant decrease of serum Se, Cu, Zn and Fe levels in draft horses with lower airway disease in comparison with healthy ones, whereas the Cu : Zn ratio and Mn were increased. However, no effect of Se supplementation to horse diet on utilization of other micronutrients by the animal organism was observed (Gordon et al, 2013). The serum element contents were: Se 0.008-0.237 mg · l Streeter et al (2012) proved significant associations between white muscle disease and Se deficiency in the blood of 30-day-old foals.…”

Deposição óssea de cálcio e fósforo, densidade radiográfica e desenvolvimento corporal em potros alimentados com minerais orgânicos

“…Embora existam poucos estudos sobre o uso de minerais orgânicos na alimentação do cavalo, Gordon et al (2013) referiram que o fornecimento de minerais quelatados reduziu a excreção de nutrientes nas fezes, o que pode aumentar o desempenho do animal. Esses estudos podem auxiliar o desenvolvimento de produtos e programas de alimentação benéficos para os animais e para o ambiente (CALAMARI; ABENI; BERTIN, 2010).…”