By : Dr Maloshrie Bora, Program Manager (Trace Minerals), Trouw Nutrition South Asia

Trace minerals such as zinc, copper, and manganese are fundamental to poultry health, acting as cofactors in vital biochemical pathways: skeletal development, immune defenses, antioxidative systems, enzyme functions, feathering, and reproductive performance. Yet, the typical composition of feed ingredients often falls short of modern poultry standards. That’s why precision mineral nutrition—providing the right mineral at the right time and in the right form—is essential to support optimal broiler growth, eggshell integrity in layers, and fertility in breeders.

While inorganic sources like sulfates and oxides have been staples for decades, they suffer from low bioavailability and reactiveness. These soluble compounds can prematurely release minerals, which then form insoluble complexes with phytate or binding agents in the gut, diminishing absorption and even degrading vitamins or enzymes in the premix. This not only reduces feed efficiency but also increases mineral excretion, raising environmental concerns. Organic (chelate) minerals improved this situation, but often at a premium cost and with variable potency. Enter the next generation: hydroxy trace minerals. Hydroxy trace minerals, like copper, zinc, and manganese hydroxychloride, represent the latest leap in mineral nutrition. Their crystalline, covalent structure is non-hygroscopic and non-reactive in feed and the upper gut. This structure allows slow, controlled release of minerals at the ideal intestinal absorption site, significantly improving bioavailability. They resist premature dissolution, ensuring minerals are released more slowly and absorbed where it matters most.

Research across poultry sectors consistently shows that hydroxy trace minerals outperform inorganic sources. Broilers fed hydroxy copper and zinc achieved 7–8% heavier carcasses and a noticeable boost in breast meat yield. In independent trials, hydroxy-supplemented flocks maintained or improved feed conversion ratios while using lower inclusion levels than sulfate-based diets . Moreover, in antibiotic-free or necrotic enteritis challenge models, hydroxy minerals reduced pathogen load and mortality, performing on par with ionophores. Layers also benefit: eggshell quality improves, feed remains stable longer (less oxidation), and FCR gains are consistent when inorganic Cu, Zn, Mn are replaced with hydroxy versions. Breeder flocks, too, see enhanced fertility and hatchability under precision hydroxy mineral regimes.
Beyond performance, hydroxy trace minerals contribute to gut integrity and immune defense. Broilers on hydroxy mineral diets exhibited reduced cecal enterobacteria and maintained tight junction integrity, translating into healthier birds and better carcass quality.

Discover IntelliBond®: Precision You Can Trust
Among hydroxy trace mineral solutions, Trouw Nutrition’s IntelliBond® stands out as a premium, thoroughly validated choice. Designed to optimize delivery of copper, zinc, and manganese, IntelliBond features:

– High bioavailability and potency : thanks to stable, covalent crystalline bonds that release minerals at the optimal intestinal site.

– Enhanced feed stability and nutrient preservation : safeguarding enzymes like phytase and vitamins from degradation in premixes

– Improved bird performance and economics : with independent studies showing better feed conversion, heavier carcasses, superior egg output, and healthier flocks under stress.

– Environmental sustainability : with reduced inclusion rates and lower mineral excretion promoting cleaner production.

– Unmatched versatility across poultry species and life stages : including broilers, layers, and breeders—even under challenging conditions like heat stress or compromised hygiene. This adaptability has been validated across multiple trials and production environments.

Proven Performance Across Poultry Types
A Spanish study comparing hydroxy vs. sulfate-fed broilers at nutritional levels found that those receiving hydroxy minerals (IntelliBond C and Z) achieved 7.4% higher live weights, 7.7% heavier carcasses, and 16.1% breast meat yield, versus 15.3% in the sulfate group. Another Trouw Nutrition joint trial with the University of New England demonstrated improved bone integrity (tibia breaking strength) and breast meat zinc content in broilers fed 100 ppm IntelliBond Zn, with gut integrity maintained. In antibiotic-free commercial conditions, hydroxy copper-chloride combined with organic acids matched or exceeded the performance gains of feed antibiotics while improving egg weight, mass, and feed efficiency in layer hens. These findings highlight the ability of IntelliBonds to deliver consistent productivity gains across broilers, layers, and breeders—even under stress or antibiotic-free regimes. Trouw Nutrition India has been pioneering mineral-precision feeding. “Trouw Talks” events in Karnal and Hyderabad, unveiled IntelliBond’s OptiSize® technology—highlighting uniform, stable crystals that protect premix integrity and animal performance. Trouw Nutrition’s new premix plant near Hyderabad supports local production of trace minerals, vitamins, and specialized premixes—readying India for advanced feed solutions. This investment and local research infrastructure underline Trouw Nutrition’s strong commitment to validating hydroxy mineral efficacy under Indian production conditions.

Why IntelliBond® Stands Out
Developed over two decades and backed by 200+ global trials, IntelliBond® hydroxy trace minerals ensure predictable delivery and dependable results through:
– Superior bioavailability due to controlled release and crystalline stability

– Enhanced feed stability, maintaining vitamins, enzymes, and reducing oxidation in premixes

– Animal performance gains, improving carcass weight, egg production, feed conversion, and profitability

– Gut health, by reducing pathogenic bacteria and preserving gut barrier integrity in broilers
– Environmental responsibility, lowering mineral excretion while supporting sustainability-focused operations

Precision Manufacturing and Traceability
Trouw Nutrition’s OptiSize® technology guarantees uniform particle size and non-hygroscopic behavior. Its low reactivity protects feed integrity, while rigorous traceability—from raw material origins to lot distribution—ensures feed safety and compliance.

Modern poultry production demands precision: the right trace mineral, in the right form, at the right level. Hydroxy trace minerals—especially IntelliBond®—deliver on that promise. Scientific evidence and Trouw Nutrition’s local investments prove that these superior minerals enhance productivity, welfare, and sustainability in broilers, layers, and breeders. By choosing IntelliBond®, nutritionists and producers gain a trusted, research-backed solution that fosters better performance, protects investments, and advances poultry industry goals in India and beyond.

In the intricate world of animal nutrition, the significance of supplementing trace elements like Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Iodine (I), and Selenium (Se) cannot be overstated. These elements play a pivotal role in ensuring the health and performance of livestock. However, the basal amounts of these trace elements found in standard commercial feeds simply fall short of meeting the animals’ requirements.

The key to unlocking the full potential of these vital trace elements lies in its bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the retention of a trace element within the gut intestinal tract and is profoundly influenced by antagonistic interactions, particularly in poultry where phytate emerges as the arch-nemesis of essential trace minerals. Phytate forms stubborn complexes with these minerals, rendering them insoluble and thus unavailable for absorption. To combat this antagonism, numerous trace mineral sources have been developed based on solubility and chemical bonding.

But that’s not all; the timing and level of trace mineral delivery also come into play. This realization has led to a groundbreaking concept in trace mineral solutions – the fusion of organic and hydroxy minerals. This innovative approach has the potential to not only maintain but also elevate animal performance under various farm conditions. It’s imperative to emphasize that the proper timing and dosage of trace elements are paramount for ensuring optimal animal performance.

In today’s world, livestock producers face immense challenges due to stringent governmental regulations aimed at addressing environmental concerns. The novel ideas discussed above offer a glimmer of hope, promising improved absorption and reduced trace element supplementation, all while preserving production performance.

In Bonds We Trust: How Bonding Revolutionizes Trace Mineral Bioavailability
Commonly used trace mineral sources in animal nutrition include sulfate-based and oxide-based minerals, primarily chosen for their affordability. Sulfate trace minerals form ionic bonds with sulfate ligands, readily dissolving in water at a neutral pH, but their instability leads to complexation with phytate, reducing bioavailability. Conversely, oxide minerals form covalent bonds, rendering them insoluble in neutral pH and partially soluble in low pH, further hindering absorption.
To overcome these challenges, organic trace minerals and hydroxy trace minerals have emerged. Organic trace minerals shield metal centers with amino acids or proteinate ligands, limiting the formation of phytate complexes. Hydroxy trace minerals, with their unique covalent crystal structure, prevent phytate complexation and gradually dissolve at low pH, enhancing absorption. Additionally, hydroxy minerals boast cost-effective hydroxy and chloride ligands.

Comparative studies reveal that both organic and hydroxy trace minerals significantly outperform sulfate sources, with hydroxy and organic trace minerals yielding similar results. For instance, in broilers, hydroxy Zn and organic Zn show 144% and 142% improved bioavailability compared to Zinc sulfate (Figure 1).

Figure 1. The tibia recovery of Zinc, of birds fed different sources of Zinc (Linear P<0.001).

Precision Matters: The Power of Optimal Particle Size and Density
Particle size and density often go overlooked when selecting trace mineral sources. Ideal particle size and density minimize feed segregation and ensure proper mixability during production. These considerations are crucial, particularly for animals with low feed intake, as it guarantees that their limited consumption contains all vital nutrients, including minerals. This improved mixability can be done through a patented process (Optisize technology) of creating optimal particles that ensures particle size consistency and highly uniform. Confirmed through laser diffraction analysis, the process results in the ideal particle size (150-300 µm) with the ideal density (0.8-1.0 g/mL), whether it is zinc, iron or manganese, for improved blending/mixing, flowability, and reduce the carry-over risk.

Studies conducted with different trace element sources, such as MnSO4 and Hydroxy Mn, indicate improved mixing in complete feeds, enhancing feed quality and nutrient distribution. This is measured through an improve coefficient of variation or CV (lower % cv indicates better mixing, Figure 2). The mixability of trace elements in a diet is of particular importance to young animals, as they have a lower feed intake and therefore more important to get all the required nutrients, especially minerals, despite the low feed intake. Moreover, spherical particles in hydroxy minerals reduce dust potential, reducing mineral source losses during handling.

Figure 2. Coefficient of variation of Manganese within complete feeds (Hydroxy Mn and MnSO4 shown in the blue and black color bar, respectively). 10 feed samples were analyzed per batch and difference to expected levels is determined.

Figure 3. Dust potential of different Manganese source.

Furthermore, hydroxy minerals with spherical particles reduced “dustiness” of the product, leading to a lower dust potential (a lower number of dust potential indicates a lower loss of mineral source, see Figure 3) and this also lessens the chance inhalation of the product by workers in the feed mill or premix facility. Although a larger mineral particle size is preferred in feed or premix production, within the animal, it is the other way around. With a smaller particle size, this will lead to a larger surface area, allowing for an improved availability of the mineral.

The Strength of Synergy: The Power of Combining Organic and Hydroxy Trace Minerals
While the practice of combining different trace element sources is not new, recent developments have brought forth a game-changing concept: the 70:10 ratio of hydroxy to organic minerals. This innovation stems from the collaborative efforts of leading industry experts and academic professionals dedicated to optimizing animal productivity and well-being.

Research demonstrates that the combination of hydroxy and organic minerals far surpasses sulfate, hydroxy, or organic-only sources, as well as combinations of sulfate and organic minerals in terms of animal performance (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Effect of different zinc sources on end weight of broilers at 42 day.

In another study, the results clearly showed that a combination of 70 ppm Zn from hydroxy mineral plus 10 ppm Zn from organic mineral was superior in terms of end body weight as well as improving feed conversion (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Effect of different zinc sources (80 ppm Zn from ZnSO4, Hydroxy, Organic, or combination of 70 ppm Zn Hydroxy plus 10 ppm Zn Organic) on end weight (P = 0.003) and FCR (P < 0.001) of broilers. Different labels (a,b,c) indicate significant differences. p < 0.05 indicate significant differences.

This synergy results from the complementary release profiles of the two technologies, allowing animals to absorb trace minerals efficiently throughout their intestinal tract. Thus, once hydroxy minerals reach the area of low pH they slowly begin to release the small molecules of soluble metals one layer at a time while organic minerals maintain their structural integrity. Given the different molecular structures of the soluble metals from hydroxy and organic minerals, their absorption is extended further down the gut intestinal tract (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Illustration of the complementary release profile of the combination of hydroxy and organic trace minerals throughout the intestinal tract.

In conclusion, the choice of a trace mineral source is pivotal for supporting productivity, animal health, and environmental sustainability. When choosing the right minerals, remember that the bonding type determines bioavailability, the particle size, density and synergy between two sources enhances efficacy. The combination of organic and hydroxy trace minerals presents a revolutionary solution, offering precise trace element delivery and enhanced absorption, ultimately leading to optimal animal performance. In a world with ever-increasing challenges, these innovations provide a beacon of hope for the future of animal nutrition.

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