Mineral nutrition & Metabolism

The Role of trace minerals in mailtaining long-term productivity

Trace minerals support biological functions that are required for proper immune function, reproduction, and growth. They are present in forages and other feeds used in cattle, but supplementation is often needed to meet the needs of the animal. Stability and thus availability of the trace mineral source differs a lot. Traditionally, minerals have been categorized as either organic or inorganic, but a newly defined category of trace minerals, known as hydroxy trace minerals, became available recently. Recent research finds sulphate sources of trace minerals, which are the most commonly used inorganic sources, may harm dairy cows’ physiological performance, because they reduce NDF digestibility and negatively impact gut barrier function.

In this session, our speakers addressed new insights in:

  • Dietary guidelines
  • Periparturient mineral nutrition and the impact on health and performance 
  • Dynamics of trace mineral sources on in-vitro fermentation and GHG production
  • Effects of replacing sulphates with hydroxychloride sources on performance

 

Downloadables

Speakers 

Dr. Jean-Baptiste Daniel is originally from Bretagne (France), where he grew up in a dairy farm. Jean-Baptiste completed a double MSc study in Animal Sciences with the Agriculture University of Angers (France) and Wageningen University (the Netherlands). The last MSc thesis in 2012 was conducted within the Ruminant R&D team of Trouw Nutrition and marked a first step in his young scientific career. This gave him the opportunity to go on with a PhD with AgroParisTech-INRA and Trouw Nutrition. The PhD focused on the quantification of milk yield and composition responses to dietary change in dairy cows, a critical component for improving nutrient efficiency at farm level.

Since 2016, Jean-Baptiste has been working as a Ruminant researcher at Trouw Nutrition R&D, where he has actively contributed to the 3 main strategic research areas for adult dairy and beef: N efficiency, gut health and minerals nutrition. The ultimate goals are to support health and productive longevity of dairy cattle and optimizing efficiency of available feed resources in cattle.

Dr. José E. P. Santos is a Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida where he conducts research and extension in dairy cattle nutrition and reproduction. He earned his DVM degree from São Paulo State University in Brazil in 1992, completed the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in 1995 and 1997 at the University of Arizona, and a clinical residency in Dairy Production Medicine in 2000 in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California Davis. Before joining the University of Florida, José spent 8 years as a faculty member in the Department of Population Health and Reproduction in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California Davis.

Dr.  Santos’  research  seeks  to  develop  technologies  that  enhance  efficiency  of  dairy  production,  in  particular improvements  in  peripartum  health  and  reproduction  that  have  long-lasting  effects  on  lactation  performance  and survival in dairy cows. The research is highly integrative, combining components of basic cellular biology, whole animal physiology and applied interventions that are adopted by dairy producers worldwide.

Dr. Carlyn Peterson is a Dairy Technical Manager for Selko USA (formerly Micronutrients) covering the Western region of the US. Carlyn specializes in sustainable dairy systems and their interaction with dairy nutrition. Prior to joining Selko in 2022, Carlyn provided technical support for the Smartline category with Adisseo for two years. Between 2013 to 2020 she worked with Dr. Frank Mitloehner at the University of California, Davis, to complete a Master’s degree and PhD in Animal Biology with a focus on Sustainability and Ruminant Nutrition.

Carlyn is passionate about improving sustainability in the dairy sector. The title of her dissertation is "Effects of Feed and Waste Additives on Dairy Cattle's Impact on Greenhouse Gasses and Air Quality." Her research focused on reducing the environmental impacts of dairy without compromising production. Carlyn also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, emphasis in Livestock and Dairy, from UC Davis. She is originally from San Diego County where she got her start in agriculture through participating in the FFA.