Development of silage inoculants to improve mineral composition of animal products

Trace elements are essential for normal cellular function some of which have been linked to reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and thyroid disease. Trace element intake into human diets comes in two forms: inorganic and organic. The former is often taken as dietary supplements and is significantly less bioavailable than the latter. Therefore an opportunity exits to enhance the levels of certain organic minerals in every day foods (livestock products – dairy and meat) to increase bioavailability of these essential elements The project will develop novel ensilaging processes to incorporate minerals into organic compunds which when fed to animals will improve the organic mineral status of the animal and product (meat and milk). In addition the improvement of the properties of the animal products would have the desired effect of increasing shelf life and thus reduce waste.