The Science Behind Zinc, Methionine & Chromium in ZinMet®
The Science Behind Zinc, Methionine & Chromium in ZinMet®
Understanding the Science Behind ZinMet®
ZinMet® combines three highly functional components in a single nutritional solution:
Organic zinc
Methionine
Organic chromium
ZinMet® (Zinc Methionine) is more than an organic zinc source. In addition to supplying highly bioavailable zinc and methionine, ZinMet® also provides chromium as an organic chromium-methionine complex. While zinc has long been recognised for its importance in immunity, hoof integrity and growth, chromium plays a complementary role in glucose metabolism, insulin function and the animal's response to stress. Together, these nutrients provide a unique combination that supports cattle through periods of production and environmental challenge and ultimately helps them perform.
Role of Chromium in ruminants:
While zinc has long been recognised as an essential trace mineral for cattle health, chromium has emerged as an important nutrient that supports metabolism and resilience.
Chromium plays a critical role in insulin function, allowing cattle to use glucose more efficiently. During periods of stress, glucose demand increases significantly. By supporting insulin sensitivity, chromium helps ensure energy is directed towards growth, immune function and recovery rather than being lost through inefficient metabolism.
Research has shown chromium supplementation may help support:
Tolerance to and recovery from stress.
Immune function.
Improves insulin function and sensitivity.
Glucose/ Energy metabolism.
Growth performance.
What the chromium research shows:
✓ Chromium Supports glucose metabolism and insulin function
Chromium-methionine supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and increase glucose clearance in beef steers, supporting more efficient glucose utilisation during periods of growth and stress (Kegley et al., 2000).
✓ Chromium may support cattle during periods of physiological stress
Research suggests chromium-methionine supplementation may be particularly beneficial during periods of physiological stress, when metabolic demand is increased and efficient glucose utilisation becomes increasingly important (Kegley et al., 2000; Ghassemi Nejad et al., 2016).
✓ Viral & Bacterial Challenge Study
In a controlled viral and bacterial respiratory challenge conducted at the USDA-ARS Livestock Issues Research Unit (Texas, USA), cattle supplemented with ZinMet® demonstrated a more favourable physiological response than cattle receiving inorganic zinc. ZinMet® cattle returned to baseline body temperature more rapidly following the bacterial challenge and achieved greater weight gain during the recovery period, supporting its use during periods of physiological stress.
✓ Chromium may improve feed efficiency
Supplementation with chromium methionine has been associated with improvements in feed efficiency in feedlot cattle under certain production conditions (Vellini et al., 2020).
One Product. Multiple Benefits.
By combining organic zinc, methionine and chromium in a single nutritional solution, ZinMet® offers producers a practical way to support animal health, productivity and resilience.
Its unique nutrient synergy helps cattle:
Better utilise nutrients and energy
Support immune function
Respond to production and environmental stress
Improve feed efficiency
Maintain consistent growth and performance
Backed by research and trusted in the field, ZinMet® provides a practical way to deliver the combined benefits of zinc, methionine and chromium in a single nutritional solution.
References:
Kegley, E.B., Galloway, D.L. & Fakler, T.M. (2000). Effect of dietary chromium-L-methionine on glucose metabolism of beef steers.Journal of Animal Science, 78(12), 3177–3183. https://doi.org/10.2527/2000.78123177x
Ghassemi Nejad, J., Lee, B.H., Kim, B.W., Ohh, S.J. & Sung, K.I. (2016). Effects of Chromium Methionine Supplementation on Blood Metabolites and Fatty Acid Profile of Beef during Late Fattening Period in Holstein Steers.Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 29(3), 378–383. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.15.0421
Vellini, B.L., Prados, L.F., Monção, F.P., Fireman, A.K., Resende, F.D. & Siqueira, G.R. (2020). Zinc amino acid complex in association with chromium methionine improves the feed efficiency of finished Nellore cattle in the feedlot.Animal Feed Science and Technology, 262, 114430. doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114430
