BetaTrace® Iron

BetaTrace® Iron is a unique form of organic iron with numerous advantages over inorganic forms of iron such as iron sulfate. The binding partner for BetaTrace® Iron is the metabolic powerhouse betaine. This means that BetaTrace® Iron 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. Additionally, BetaTrace® Iron’s betaine is delivered in a form that resists rumen degradation (rumen bypass), which helps to preserve methyl group supply in dairy cows.

Iron is important for healthy animals. Its primary role is as a component of hemoglobin and myoglobin, which are key to the transport and movement of oxygen throughout the body. Iron also functions in several enzymes that are key to energy metabolism and is a component of the antioxidant system.

Despite iron’s importance, it is often supplemented as inorganic iron such as sulfate. However, inorganic iron 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 iron being excreted in the feces, potentially contaminating the environment.

Organically bound iron is iron bound to another molecule, amino acid, or small peptide to enhance absorption. Organic iron has greater binding strength and is better protected from antagonistic effects in the gut. The result is iron that is better absorbed and metabolized, with a direct impact on animal health and productivity.

BetaTrace® Iron focuses on the key challenges of modern livestock farming for higher productivity and well-being. Both betaine and iron play a significant role in many important metabolic processes. With superior absorption over inorganic iron, BetaTrace® Iron is a perfect choice!