BetaTrace® Copper is a unique form of organic copper with numerous advantages over inorganic forms of copper such as copper sulfate. The binding partner for BetaTrace® Copper is the metabolic powerhouse betaine. This means that BetaTrace® Copper not only has superior absorption and bioavailability, but also great capacity to donate essential methyl groups—perfect for high-yielding and young animals with high demands.
Copper is important for healthy animals. Copper has many physiological functions. It participates in iron metabolism, energy metabolism, and the formation of normal hair color. It is essential for body, bone, and wool growth, healthy nerve fibers, and white blood cell function. In shrimp, copper is part of the protein that transports oxygen in the blood.
Despite copper’s importance, it is often supplemented as inorganic copper such as copper oxide or sulfate. However, inorganic copper is easily separated in the gut allowing for the formation of insoluble complexes with other free metals or other dietary components. This results in unabsorbed copper being excreted in the feces, potentially contaminating the environment.
Organically bound copper is copper bound to another molecule, amino acid, or small peptide to enhance absorption. Organic copper has greater binding strength and is better protected from antagonistic effects in the gut. The result is copper that is better absorbed and metabolized, with a direct impact on animal health and productivity.
BetaTrace® Copper focuses on the key challenges of modern livestock farming for higher productivity and well-being. Both betaine and copper play a significant role in many important metabolic processes. With superior absorption over inorganic copper, BetaTrace® Copper is a perfect choice!