Trace elements

Abstract

A trace element solution comprises at least the following metals: zinc; manganese; selenium; and copper; and which comprises a concentration of the metals of at least 90 mg/ml. The solution may comprise the following concentrations: at least 60 mg/ml zinc; at least 10 mg/ml manganese; at least 5 mg/ml selenium; and at least 15 mg/ml copper. The solution may comprise chromium, iodine and chromium.

Claims

1. A trace element aqueous injectable solution for veterinary use, comprising zinc, selenium, and at least one other trace element, wherein the concentration of zinc ranges from 60 mg/ml up to a concentration that, in combination with said selenium and at least one other trace element, preserves the suitability for injection of the trace element aqueous injectable solution.

2. A trace element aqueous injectable solution for veterinary use, comprising zinc, copper, selenium, and at least one other trace element, wherein the concentration of zinc ranges from 60 mg/ml up to a concentration that, in combination with said copper, selenium, and at least one other trace element, preserves the suitability for injection of the trace element aqueous injectable solution.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE

(1) The invention will now be described by way of an example of injectable solutions in accordance with the invention.

(2) The example relates to a method to prepare a trace element solution predominantly to be used for cattle and includes the mineral elements zinc, manganese, selenium and copper.

(3) The method enables preparation of 25 litres of the solution containing at least 60 mg Zn, 10 mg Mn, 5 mg Se, and 15 mg Cu per ml.

(4) In a 25 litre plastic container, water is heated to a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius so that the process can proceed at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius.

(5) 0.556 Kilogram of manganese carbonate is added to the heated water whilst mixing.

(6) 1.890 Kilogram of zinc oxide is added to the mixture.

(7) 0.700 Kilogram of copper carbonate is added to the mixture slowly to form a liquid mixture.

(8) In a separate container 10.17 kilogram EDTA and 2.70 kilogram of NaOH are mixed to form a dry mixture.

(9) The dry mixture is slowly added to the liquid mixture to prevent excessive frothing and allow the reaction to complete and to leave a clear blue solution.

(10) The temperature of the solution may reach 100 degrees Celsius and is allowed to cool to 50 degrees Celsius.

(11) 26.25 g of Chloro-cresol is added to the solution and is stirred until dissolved.

(12) The solution is then cooled to room temperature.

(13) The recorded pH of the solution is now 4.656.

(14) 0.303 Kilogram of Na.sub.2SeO.sub.3 is added.

(15) The recorded pH of the solution is now 5.115.

(16) The pH is adjusted to 6.860 by adding a 50% NaOH solution.

(17) The solution is now diluted with water to obtain the required weight, namely 1.300 kg/l.

(18) The resultant trace element solution has a composition as follows: (a) 60 mg/ml of zinc; (b) 10 mg/ml manganese; (c) 5 mg/ml selenium; and (d) 15 mg/ml copper.

(19) The invention therefore provides a trace element solution which is tissue friendly, i.e. is not damaging or irritant to the tissue of animals and which comprises zinc, manganese, selenium and copper and at a concentration of the metals of at least 90 mg/ml.

(20) The trace elements in solution are in a scientifically formulated ratio according to the post-absorption requirements of the animals.

(21) As an example the trace element solution comprises (a) at least 60 mg/ml of zinc; (b) at least 10 mg/ml manganese; (c) at least 5 mg/ml selenium; and (d) at least 15 mg/ml copper.

(22) The solution may furthermore comprise at least 5 mg/ml chromium and at least 50-300 mg/ml iodine.

(23) The method of preparing a trace element solution in accordance with the invention thus enables the production of a solution comprising an adequate trace mineral concentration so that a 5 to 10 millilitre injection can make a significant impact on the trace mineral status of the animal and an injection is provided at a rate of between 1 ml per 50 kg bodyweight (BW) and 1 ml per 100 kg BW, i.e. a practically applicable injectable supplement and a product that can improve the trace mineral status of an animal is provided. This is important as livestock producers will only inject livestock if a real benefit can be demonstrated. The subcutaneous injection is the preferred route to minimize tissue damage, but intra-muscular injection can also be used.