Interpretive Summary: Replacing sulfate with hydroxychloride sources of trace minerals modulated the growth performance and plasma indicators of inflammation and energy metabolism in beef heifers during periods of feed restriction and adaptation to a high-starch diet
By: Isabella R T Souza, Philipe Moriel, Gabriel R R Monar, Pedro H L Lima, André A B M Carvalho, Guilherme F Oliva, Karolina V Z Augusto, Marco A F Porcionato, Izadora S Souza, Shea J Mackey, Reinaldo F Cooke, Davi B Araujo, José L M Vasconcelos
This study investigated how 2 sources (sulfate vs. hydroxychloride) of copper, manganese, and zinc affect the growth and plasma indicators of inflammation and energy metabolism of Bos indicus beef heifers under various nutritional challenges. Nelore heifers were monitored through different periods of 28 d each: pen acclimation (days 0 to 28) = free access to hay and salt; nutrient surplus (days 28 to 56) = hay and protein supplement added with sulfate or hydroxychloride sources of copper, manganese, and zinc; nutrient restriction (days 56 to 84) = 50% of previous hay intake and supplementation of their respective treatment; and step-up adaptation period to a high-starch diet (days 84 to 112) = starch-rich diet containing their respective treatment. Heifers receiving hydroxychloride had greater growth performance and plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth hormone factor 1 during nutrient surplus and restriction phases compared to those receiving sulfate. Hydroxychloride supplementation reduced an inflammation marker during the nutrient restriction period, but it did not influence heifer growth during subsequent stages. Overall, while hydroxychloride reduced inflammation during nutrient restriction, it did not impact growth or plasma indicators of inflammation and energy metabolism during nutrient restriction and adaptation to a high-starch diet.
Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.
