Trace minerals play a vital role in several metabolic functions in the animal body. These minerals can be derived from organic as well as inorganic sources. Inorganic trace minerals, such as sulphates, carbonates, chlorides, and oxides of elements, interact with tannin, fiber, silicates, oxalate, phytate, and other minerals in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, thereby affecting the feed absorption process. As organic trace minerals such as selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese improve gut absorption in animals, they are being increasingly used in animal feed. 


As organic trace minerals also include iron, the surging iron deficiency among poultry and ruminants will help the organic trace minerals market register significant growth in the coming years. Additionally, the mounting focus of animal farm owners on strengthening animal immunity will create a huge requirement for minerals such as copper and manganese in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the surge in the number of animal farms is propelling the demand for organic trace minerals, as veterinarians are increasingly recommending using these products in animal feed. 


Thus, the burgeoning demand for animal products, such as milk and meat products will augment the usage of organic trace minerals in the forthcoming years. The quantity and quality of animal products largely depend on the type of feed they consume. Zinc and iron-based animal feed are the most prominent products being prescribed by veterinarians, owing to their beneficial medical properties. Even though these products are fed in small quantities, they play a pivotal role in the maintenance of the health and productivity of animals.


According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), metal (specific amino acid) complexes, metal amino acid complexes, metal proteinates, metal amino acid chelates, metal propionates, metal polysaccharide complexes, and yeast derivative complexes are the various types of organic trace materials that are being used to enhance animal productivity and improve animal health. These products also help in increasing milk quality, enhancing reproductivity, and facilitating animal growth. Additionally, organic trace minerals are also used to improve the growth performance of birds and enhance meat characteristics. 
At present, organic trace minerals are offered by Tanke Biosciences Corporation, Cargill and Kemin Industries, Royal DSM NV, and Zinpro Corporation. These companies prepare amino acid chelates of trace minerals by mixing a 2:1 molar ratio of amino acid preferably methionine with inorganic trace mineral ions. Nowadays, organic trace mineral manufacturers are increasingly focusing on research and development (R&D) activities in order to develop better products to attract more animal farm owners. As zinc-based animal feed is being consumed in the highest quantity, these companies are primarily focusing on the production of zinc laden animal feed. 


According to P&S Intelligence, North America dominates the organic trace minerals market, due to the surging customer awareness about the advantages of organic products in the region. Additionally, the implementation of stringent environmental regulations is limiting the use of inorganic minerals, which is, in turn, fueling the adoption of organic trace minerals in the region. Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is also adopting a considerable volume of organic trace minerals, due to the soaring consumption and export of milk products and meat in the region. 
Thus, the rising emphasis on animal health and enhanced productivity, escalating demand for milk products and milk, and growing prevalence of iron deficiency among animals will encourage the use of organic trace mineral products in the coming years.