Current status and development trend of organic trace elements in the feed industry

**1 Foreword** Trace elements play a crucial role in the growth, metabolism, immunity, and reproduction of animals by directly or indirectly participating in the formation and activation of enzymes and hormones. Although they make up less than 0.5% of animal feed, their impact is significant and cannot be overlooked. Traditionally, high-copper and high-zinc pharmacological doses were added to enhance functional effects. However, the excessive use of inorganic sulfates has led to damage to fat-soluble vitamins and intestinal villi. As a result, feed companies have been seeking better-quality trace element additives that are more effective and safer. Organic trace elements, as a new type of mineral additive, have gained popularity due to their stability, high bioavailability, ease of digestion, and strong resistance to interference. From early imported protein chelates to today’s cost-effective single amino acid chelates, the development of organic trace elements has been rapid. With the growing demand for these products, many domestic manufacturers have emerged, leading to increased competition. However, this competition has shifted from product quality to marketing strategies and low-cost purchasing, causing confusion among feed enterprises when selecting and evaluating organic trace elements. This article aims to clarify the market confusion by addressing common issues in the evaluation and use of organic trace elements, providing detailed analysis and insights into future trends. It serves as a guide for users to make informed decisions and gain a clearer understanding of the true potential of organic trace elements. **2 Industry Status** **2.1 Unclear Concepts of Organic Trace Elements** Despite several years of development, the concept of organic trace elements remains unclear in China. Many feed technicians struggle with the definition, often confused by the various claims made by manufacturers. The lack of a unified standard and the proliferation of misleading information have further complicated the situation. Some products labeled as organic trace elements are actually inorganic salts, such as chlorides or fumarates, which do not meet the actual criteria. In reality, organic trace elements refer to metal complexes, including amino acid chelates, protein complexes, and polysaccharide complexes. Among these, single amino acid chelates are the most widely used. To understand what a chelate is, it's important to distinguish between complexation and chelation. A chelate is formed when a metal ion binds with a ligand that has multiple donor groups, creating a ring structure. This makes chelates more stable and easier for the body to absorb compared to traditional inorganic forms. **2.2 Lack of Reliable Standards for Product Selection and Evaluation** Evaluating and selecting organic trace elements is one of the biggest challenges for feed companies. There are three main reasons: first, some products lack national standards, making testing methods inconsistent. Second, even when national standards exist, they may not be reliable or accepted by the industry. Third, the fast-paced development of products often outpaces the establishment of appropriate testing methods. For example, ferrous glycinate is a commonly used product, but its national standard contains inconsistencies, such as the inclusion of inorganic ferrous sulfate and improper testing procedures. These issues create uncertainty for quality control teams. Additionally, some companies provide samples that differ significantly from the actual product, indicating poor process control and quality assurance. **2.3 Use of Non-Standard Practices** Many domestic feed companies follow non-standard practices when adding trace elements. They often exceed the NRC or national standards for inorganic trace elements, sometimes by several times. The primary reasons include low cost, perceived effectiveness, and the difficulty in evaluating biological potency. In contrast, organic trace elements require proper usage plans, which many manufacturers fail to provide. Without clear guidelines, feed companies struggle to implement them effectively. **3 Development Trends** **3.1 Organic Trace Elements Will Gradually Replace Inorganic Ones** The use of organic trace elements is becoming increasingly common, especially among large feed companies. Products like ferrous glycinate and zinc glycinate are widely used, often in combination with inorganic forms or as standalone organic options. The shift is driven by several factors: the limitations of inorganic trace elements, stricter regulations on feed safety, and the rising demand for healthier livestock. Inorganic trace elements, often by-products of chemical processes, contain harmful residues that can degrade other nutrients and affect feed quality. In contrast, organic trace elements undergo advanced purification, resulting in higher purity and lower heavy metal content. As technology improves and costs decrease, organic trace elements are expected to dominate the market. **3.2 Composite Trace Elements Will Become the Future Trend** As the feed industry becomes more specialized, the need for customized composite trace elements is growing. Companies are shifting focus to core competencies, leaving trace element formulation to experts. Customized composite products reduce procurement complexity, storage challenges, and quality control costs. This trend mirrors the development of vitamin formulations, where integrated solutions are preferred over individual components. **4 Conclusion** Organic trace elements are now widely adopted, and the market is maturing. Customers are becoming more rational in their choices, and a product-centric approach is no longer sufficient. Manufacturers must provide comprehensive solutions that address real-world challenges. This requires continuous innovation, improved evaluation methods, and a deep understanding of application needs. As the industry evolves, the future of organic trace elements looks promising, offering greater value and reliability for feed enterprises.

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