Dealing with risk – Vitamin A & E availability

Strategies to handle vitamin uncertainty

Adjust vitamin levels

Understanding the usage and needs of vitamins A & E is crucial. Vitamin A is essential for various functions in animals. It supports skin and mucous membranes, acting as a barrier against pathogens. Additionally, it aids in hormone synthesis, promotes growth, skeletal development, and fertility, and regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. On the other hand, Vitamin E is required for gene expression, enzymatic activity, and neurological functions. It is also vital for the reproductive, muscular, and immune systems and serves as an antioxidant. This antioxidant role can also be partially covered by polyphenol mixtures like Selko AOmix. As a rule of thumb, you can safely replace all vitamin E that is currently fed above nutritional requirements. Actual requirements of vitamin A and E are available via your contact person.

When market uncertainty causes prices to rise, it’s essential to reassess the levels of vitamins used in animal feeds. Many current feeds contain more vitamin A & E than necessary. Reducing these levels may be challenging but necessary. Having strategies to maintain the quality of vitamins in premixes and feeds is crucial.

Preventing vitamin loss

Premixes combine micronutrients such as trace minerals, vitamins, and synthetic amino acids. However, these components can react with each other, leading to losses over time. Here are three strategies to minimize these interactions:

1. Split the premix: Create two separate premixes: one for trace minerals and one for vitamins. This separation improves vitamin stability and allows for flexible vitamin dosing when animals need higher levels for health or performance.
2. Use less reactive materials:
   1. Choline chloride: Can disrupt premix stability. Consider decreasing it, exchanging it, or feeding it separately. Betaine can replace choline as a methyl group donor, improving vitamin stability.
   2. Trace mineral sources: Sulphate sources of trace elements interact significantly with vitamins, decreasing stability and availability. Using organic trace minerals with strong chelation strength (e.g., Optimin) or highly stable hydroxy trace minerals (e.g., IntelliBond) can reduce these interactions, making vitamins and minerals more available to animals.
3. Provide protection: Incorporate synthetic antioxidants like BHT or BHA to protect vitamins within the premix from rapid loss of stability. Trouw Nutrition offers additional protection with synthetic antioxidants. Note that synthetic antioxidants differ from polyphenol mixtures (such as Selko AOmix), the latter provides antioxidant protection within the animal.

Know your options

Evaluate what actions can be implemented in your facility and understand the needs of the animals. Assess whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding micronutrients and adjust accordingly. Consider using raw materials rich in vitamin E or A and adjust feed formulations as needed. Utilizing services like NutriOpt can ensure accurate feed formulation.

To conclude the current uncertainty in the vitamin A & E supply chain requires proactive strategies. By adjusting vitamin levels, preventing negative interactions, and knowing your options, you can effectively mitigate the risks associated with vitamin supply disruptions.

Stay informed and prepared to navigate these challenges successfully and reach out to us for support.