February 7, 2018

Micronutrients shares research insights into copper availability at IPPE

Micronutrients, the company that pioneered hydroxy trace minerals, continues to invest in research to advance the study of nutrient availability in poultry.

During IPPE, members of the Micronutrients technical team shared research insights on the mode of action that make IntelliBond^® hydroxy trace minerals a cost-effective alternative to sulphate trace minerals. The company also promoted its OptiSize^® Large Particle Technology, an innovation that optimises trace mineral particle size to improve handling, precision and uniformity in animal feed.

As a research-driven company, Micronutrients scientists study how nutrients in feed are absorbed and utilized by birds' systems. In the poultry sector, research has focused extensively on how IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals work differently than sulphate trace minerals. IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals are formulated to deliver a slow release throughout the bird's gastrointestinal tract, releasing copper after most antagonistic nutrients are absorbed. Because it releases slowly, IntelliBond C does not overwhelm the physiological protections or absorptive mechanisms in the bird's system.

In contrast, sulphate minerals are highly reactive with other mineral ingredients in the feed, meaning copper can destroy, degrade or bind with other feed ingredients. One area of concern is the duodenal area where critical tissue can be damaged by the high reactivity of sulphate trace minerals. "Research has found that the source of copper matters when it comes to effects on intestinal physiology and growth of broilers," said Dr. Kurt Perryman, technical sales manager at Micronutrients. "The unique crystalline structure of IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals supports copper availability in birds' systems by releasing slowly to deliver the right amount in the right regions of the gastrointestinal system."

IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals have been engineered to support improved handling, precision and uniformity in feed. The patented OptiSize Large Particle Technology results in uniform, precise particles that blend easily throughout the feed, avoiding segregation, caking or clumping, and have significantly reduced dust compared to sources like sulphates.

The non-reactive qualities that prevent interaction with other feed ingredients during digestion mean that the mineral particles would not bind with other nutrients or provide oxidation. And because the non-hygroscopic particles do not absorb moisture from the air, added moisture does not contribute to consistency problems in the mixer. "Precision is a driving force across animal nutrition and the OptiSize Large Particle Technology applies a precision approach to assuring uniformity in particle size and shape, making for easier and more predictable measuring and handling while assuring that the trace minerals are evenly distributed throughout the feed," said Perryman.