PSXII-13 The influence of trace mineral source on copper, manganese, and zinc binding strength to rumen digesta in cattle fed a high forage-based diet

Twelve crossbred Angus steers fitted with rumen cannulae were used to determine the influence of trace mineral source on ruminal soluble mineral concentrations and relative binding strength of trace minerals in the ruminal insoluble digesta fraction. Steers were adjusted to a low-quality hay (chopped) diet balanced to meet the nutrient requirements for growing steers. For 7 d prior to initiation of the study, steers were fed the diet without supplemental Cu, Mn, and Zn. On day 8 steers received a pulse dose (2 x NRC requirement) of Cu, Mn, and, Zn from sulfate (STM) or hydroxy trace minerals (HTM; Micronutrients LLC, USA). Ruminal samples were obtained at 2 h intervals until 24 h post-dosing for soluble (fraction obtained after centrifugation) Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations. Binding strength of Cu, Mn, and Zn to ruminal solid digesta (post centrifugation) was estimated at 0, 12, and 24h post-dosing using dialysis against 0.05 M Tris-EDTA. Ruminal soluble mineral concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) for Cu at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 h; for Mn at 4 and 6 h; and for Zn at 4, 6, and 8 h post dosing in STM compared to HTM steers. Concentration of Cu, Mn, and Zn remaining in the insoluble fraction were greater (P < 0.05) at 12 h post dosing in HTM vs STM supplemented steers. At 24 h post dosing, Mn concentrations were lesser (P < 0.03) and Zn concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) in HTM vs STM supplemented steers. Following dialysis, the % Cu, and Zn released from the insoluble fraction was greater (P < 0.001) at 12 h and 24h in HTM vs. STM supplemented steers. Results indicate that a greater proportion of Cu and Zn HTM remained loosely bound to the insoluble fraction within the rumen.