Effects of organic complex trace elements on performance,nitrogen metabolism,and reproductive performance of Simmental bulls
Wei Guojun
Lü Xinzhe
Song Shouhong
Cao Xuegang
Liu Xinwei
Zhang Yanmin
Chang Meinan
Zhu Kai
Abstract：This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with organic complex trace elements on the performance,serum biochemical indicators,and reproductive performance of bulls.Twenty 24-month-old healthy Simmental bulls with similar body weight and good performance were selected and randomly divided into two groups,with 10 replicates per group and one bull per replicate.The control group was fed a basal diet,while the experimental group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 5 g/kg of organic complex trace elements.The pre-trial period lasted for 7 days,and the formal experimental period lasted for 30 days.The results showed that compared with the control group,the average daily gain of bulls in the experimental group was significantly increased(P＜0.05),and the feed to gain ratio was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,the heart girth of bulls in the experimental group was significantly increased(P＜0.05),but no significant differences were observed in body height,withers height,body length,abdominal girth,and cannon bone circumference(P＞0.05).Feeding organic composite trace elements significantly increased the serum albumin content(P＜0.05)and decreased the serum urea nitrogen content(P＜0.05)of Simmental bulls,but had no significant effects on the contents of total protein,globulin,and blood glucose(P＞0.05).Compared with the control group,the testicular circumference,semen density,frozen semen motility,and progressive sperm count of Simmental bulls in the experimental group were significantly increased(P＜0.05).No significant differences were found in semen volume,fresh semen motility,or sperm abnormality rate(P＞0.05).The study indicates that organic complex trace elements can promote the growth of Simmental bulls,improve their protein utilization,and enhance sperm quality.
Keywords：Organic complex trace elementsBullsPerformanceSerum biochemical indicatorsSemen quality
Publication Date：2026-01-15
Online Publishing Date：2026-03-05(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 30-35 )