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In vitro evaluation of chitosan copper chelate gels as a multimicronutrient feed additive for cattle
Author(s) -
Duffy Ciara,
O'Riordan Dolores,
O'Sullivan Michael,
Jacquier JeanChristophe
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.8939
Subject(s) - copper , chitosan , chemistry , rumen , chelation , micronutrient , food science , riboflavin , copper sulfate , feed additive , selenium , biochemistry , zoology , biology , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , fermentation , broiler
BACKGROUND Effective micronutrient supplementation strategies are critical to ensure optimal health and productivity in livestock. The objective of this study was to develop a copper and vitamin (multimicronutrient) delivery system based on chitosan gel beads, and test its suitability, in vitro , for use as a cattle feed additive. RESULTS Chitosan was chelated with copper sulfate to produce millimetre‐scale gel matrices (∼2 mm). The copper content was significantly increased (from 61 to 95 mg g by adjusting pH to alkaline conditions post bead formation. The beads could subsequently be loaded with the model vitamin riboflavin to levels as high as 324 µg g −1 beads. Restricted rehydration of the dried gel matrices in simulated rumen fluid led to a sustained release of riboflavin with no copper released in these neutral conditions for up to 24 h, demonstrating copper rumen bypass. Moreover, sustained release of the mineral was observed in abomasal conditions of pH 2 over a 3 h period. CONCLUSIONS The matrices showed rumen bypass for copper yet supplied nutritionally relevant levels of the free mineral in abomasal conditions, as required for effective supplementation in cattle. The controlled‐release properties demonstrated by the matrices indicate their potential as a multimicronutrient functional feed additive to enhance cattle nutrition and productivity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry