1 Foreword
Trace elements play a crucial role in the biological processes of animals. Whether directly or indirectly, they are involved in the formation and activation of enzymes and hormones, which significantly impact growth, metabolism, immunity, and reproduction. Although these elements make up less than 0.5% of animal feed, their importance cannot be overlooked. In addition to their nutritional value, the use of pharmacological levels of high-copper and high-zinc has been widely adopted by many formulators for added functional benefits. However, traditional inorganic sulfate forms often cause damage to fat-soluble vitamins and intestinal villi. This has led feed companies to seek out more advanced and effective trace element additives.
Organic trace elements have emerged as a promising alternative due to their superior stability, higher bioavailability, better digestion and absorption, and strong resistance to interference. These properties have made them a key focus in animal nutrition research and a popular choice among feed companies. From early imports of expensive protein chelates to today's cost-effective single amino acid chelates, the development of organic trace elements has only taken a few years. With the growing demand, numerous domestic manufacturers have entered the market, leading to increased competition. Initially, this competition was focused on product quality, but it has gradually shifted toward marketing strategies and low-cost purchasing. As a result, feed companies often face confusion when selecting and evaluating these products.
Many formulators in the feed industry come from a background of feed nutrition and may not fully understand the complexities of organic trace elements, which are often classified as fine chemicals. Additionally, some companies have created a veil of mystery around these products, using misleading information to confuse consumers. This has led to a flood of conflicting opinions and arguments in the market, making it difficult for users to make informed decisions.
This article aims to shed light on the current state of the organic micro-element market. By addressing common concerns and providing detailed analysis, we hope to offer a clearer understanding of how to evaluate and use organic trace elements. We also explore future trends in this rapidly evolving field, helping users make more informed choices and gain a deeper insight into the true potential of these valuable additives.
2 Industry Status
2.1 Unclear Definition of Organic Micro-Concepts
Despite several years of development, the concept of organic trace elements remains unclear to many professionals in the feed industry. This is largely due to the wide variety of manufacturers and the diverse claims made in their marketing materials. Some companies promote products that are not truly organic, such as basic chlorinated salts or fumarates, further complicating the issue.
In reality, the term "organic trace elements" refers to a broad category of compounds, including metal complexes like amino acid complexes, protein complexes, and polysaccharide complexes. According to the American Association of Feed Management Officials, these are considered organic. Many foreign companies initially introduced protein-based complexes, while single amino acid chelates have become the most commonly used type today.
To understand what a chelate is, it's important to distinguish between "complexation" and "chelation." A complex is formed when a metal ion binds with an electron-donating ligand. If the ligand has multiple binding sites, a ring-like structure—known as a chelate—is formed. An amino acid chelate, specifically, is a cyclic compound formed when a metal ion reacts with an amino acid in a 1:1 to 1:3 molar ratio.
2.2 Lack of Reliable Standards for Product Selection and Evaluation
One of the biggest challenges in selecting and evaluating organic trace elements is the lack of clear and reliable standards. This issue can be attributed to three main factors: first, many products do not have national standards, and enterprise-level testing methods vary widely. Second, even when national standards exist, they may not be trusted by the industry. Third, the rapid pace of product innovation often outstrips the development of new testing methods, leaving gaps in quality control.
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