ANIMAL NUTRITION

The role of trace elements in animal nutrition

Proper nutrition of farm animals is based not only on providing adequate amounts of energy, protein and macroelements, but also on ensuring a sufficient supply of trace elements.

Although the body requires them only in small quantities, they perform essential functions in metabolic processes, immunity, reproduction and healthy growth. Even minor deficiencies can adversely affect animal health, reduce production performance and increase susceptibility to disease.

The role of trace elements can be compared to that of catalysts in the body. They are neither a primary source of energy nor building materials, but they participate in hundreds of enzymatic reactions that are essential for proper bodily function. Their adequate supply supports healthy animal development, improves the efficiency of milk, meat and egg production, and contributes to the overall welfare of the entire herd.

What are the effects of trace element deficiencies in animals?

Trace element deficiencies often develop gradually and may initially go unnoticed. Over time, they can lead to impaired bodily functions, which negatively affect farm production results. One of the first signs is a loss of appetite, followed by reduced weight gain and lower production performance.

Trace element deficiencies also affect the immune system, making animals more susceptible to infections. Reproductive problems, reduced lactation and impaired musculoskeletal development may also occur. A properly balanced diet is therefore one of the most important elements of preventive healthcare in modern animal farming.

How can you recognise that animals may be deficient in trace elements?

✓ reduced appetite and slower weight gain,
✓ weakened immunity,
✓ reproductive problems,
✓ reduced lactation,
✓ impaired bone and muscle development.

Zn

Zinc as a trace element supporting immunity and development

Zinc is one of the most important trace elements used in animal nutrition.
It is involved in protein biosynthesis, hormone production and the synthesis of collagen, which is essential for proper tissue structure. It is also a component of many enzymes that regulate basic biological processes.

In cattle, zinc also plays an important role in supporting the development of rumen microflora, which is responsible for the proper digestion of feed.
Adequate zinc levels promote better nutrient utilisation and support the proper functioning of the entire digestive system. This enables animals to use feed more efficiently, resulting in improved production performance.

What role does zinc play in animal nutrition?

✓ it is involved in protein and hormone synthesis,
✓ it supports collagen production,
✓ it promotes healthy rumen microflora,
✓ it contributes to enzyme activity,
✓ it supports the immune system.

Mn

Manganese – essential for bone development and reproduction

Manganese is a trace element whose role is particularly important during the growth of young animals and in breeding herds. It is responsible for proper bone formation, supports cartilage development and participates in numerous enzymatic processes.

Manganese also plays a vital role in reproduction. An adequate supply
supports the normal reproductive cycle in females, contributes to healthy foetal development and helps maintain high reproductive performance within the herd. Manganese deficiencies may lead to poorer breeding results and problems with the rearing of young animals.

Cu

Copper as support for natural immunity

The immune system cannot function properly without an adequate supply of copper. Copper helps regulate the activity of cells involved in immune responses, including monocytes, T lymphocytes and neutrophils.

This enables the body to respond more effectively to threats posed by
pathogenic microorganisms. Adequate copper nutrition helps reduce the risk of infection and improves the overall condition of animals. This is particularly important during periods of increased stress, dietary changes and intensive production.

How does copper support animal health?

✓ it strengthens the immune system,
✓ it supports immune cell activity,
✓ it participates in enzymatic processes,
✓ it helps reduce the risk of infection,
✓ it supports the proper functioning of the body.

Co

Cobalt and its importance in animal metabolism

Although cobalt is required only in very small quantities, it is extremely important for animal health. Cobalt is primarily involved in the production of vitamin B12, which plays a key role in energy metabolism and the metabolism of proteins and fats.

Adequate vitamin B12 levels support the proper functioning of the body, promote the development of young animals and enable nutrients to be utilised efficiently. An adequate supply of cobalt contributes to better animal condition and improved production efficiency.

CHELATES

Why choose chelated trace elements?

Modern feed additives increasingly use trace elements in chelated form.
Combining an element with a suitable ligand increases its stability and
makes it easier for the animal’s body to absorb.

Studies indicate that trace elements supplied in organic form are utilised
more rapidly by the body, helping to reduce the risk of deficiencies more
effectively. Improved bioavailability also enables nutrients to be used
more efficiently and contributes to better production performance.

What are the benefits of supplementing animals with trace elements in organic form?

Faster nutrient absorption

Increased lactation performance

Faster return to the reproductive cycle after giving birth

Improved immunity

Reduced risk of deficiencies

AminoCare

Arkop’s product range includes the AminoCare line of feed
additives, which provides animals with trace elements in chelated form.
Thanks to their high bioavailability, the nutrients can be quickly utilised by the body, supporting its proper functioning.

The products in this range have been developed for modern animal farming, where not only high production performance but also animal health and welfare are key priorities. Properly selected feed additives help reduce the risk of deficiencies and support the maintenance of good overall herd condition.

Proper nutrition is an investment in healthy animal farming

Efficient animal production begins with a properly balanced diet. Even the best-selected feeds will not deliver the expected results if they contain insufficient amounts of essential trace elements. Regular supplementation of nutrients responsible for immunity, growth, reproduction and healthy metabolism is therefore extremely important.

Using modern feed additives rich in trace elements not only improves animal health but also increases production efficiency and reduces losses caused by deficiencies. Proper nutrition is the foundation of modern animal farming, where animal welfare goes hand in hand with high production profitability.