According to the decision published in the Official Gazette of the Union (DOU), a journal published by the Brazil Union Government on 23 February 2012, the level of inclusion of minerals supplied to poultry and swine is now flexible to allow for higher absorption rates of organic minerals.

This change occurred on the back of various scientific studies that showed that the level of inclusion of organic minerals could be lower than levels, based on minerals supplemented in an inorganic form, that were initially proposed by the Brazilian Ministério da Agricultura (Ministry of Agriculture). Minerals in the form of proteinates and yeast enriched with selenium are known internationally as organic minerals. It has been satisfactorily shown that they are more bioavailable and for this reason can be administered as supplements, premixes, concentrates and feeds at levels lower than inorganic minerals (such as oxides, sulphates, etc.). In addition, due to increased bioavailability, better absorption and utilisation of organic minerals in the animal, the levels of minerals eliminated through faeces are also considerably less, reducing the adverse effects of contamination in the environment.

"Brazil has a well developed agro-industry and is acknowledged as the world leader in the implementation of modern, tropical agricultural technology. This latest measure allows some freedom in the inclusion rates of minerals while maintaining the overall health and nutrition of the animal. The current market trend shows increasing demand for organic minerals because, aside from the fact that organic minerals are more bioavailable, they can respond to the needs of high performance animals and provide a more efficient response,” said Fabio Catunda, mineral and swine solutions manager at Alltech Latin America.

“Alltech's organic mineral range falls into this category. Alltech also ensures that its products are free of heavy metals, PCBs and dioxins which are a potential risk to the mineral industry, and that they maintain sustainability standards."

Alltech’s European vice president, Patrick Charlton, commented: “The science of using organic trace minerals has also been successfully implemented in Europe through Alltech’s Total Replacement Technology™ programme. This programme aims to meet animals’ needs, while minimising overall mineral excretion, through the provision of organic minerals that are more easily absorbed so that a smaller quantity is required in feed. European data has supported this application in pigs, poultry and ruminants.”