Dietary Trace Mineral Level and Source Affect Fecal Bacterial Mineral Incorporation and Mineral Leaching Potential of Equine Feces

摘要: Minerals excreted in feces have the potential to leach or runoff water-ways, negatively impacting water quality. This study examined effect of dietary trace mineral levels, and their source, on leaching minerals from equine feces. Nine horses were used a replicated 3 × Latin Square, with three treatments provided as pellets: no added (CON), inorganic (ING), organic (ORG). Supplemental included Co, Cu, Mn, Zn. Horses allowed ad libitum access forage fed treatment pellets for 16 days prior fecal sample collection. Estimated intake exceeded requirements supplemented minerals. Regardless adding increased Zn, P (p < 0.05). More Co leached ORG compared ING, while Zn greater amounts ING Fecal bacterial content was 0.05) ING. Negative correlations observed between several Supplementing forms that increase microbial incorporation may provide strategy control leaching.