Trace elements
A method of preparing a trace element solution includes the steps of providing at least one EDTA-complex, providing a sodium selenite solution, and combining the EDTA-complex(es) and the sodium selenite solution to form a trace element solution. A EDTA complex is prepared by using disodium EDTA or EDTA acid, selenium, and any other suitable mineral.
1. A method of preparing a trace element solution, said method consisting essentially of the steps of:
(a) preparing a single solution comprising more than one EDTA-complex as a sodium salt in a single continuous process by suspending either disodium EDTA in water or suspending EDTA acid in water with sodium hydroxide, and adding a adding at least one metal compound selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and metal carbonates to the EDTA solution to form the EDTA-complex, wherein the at least one metal compound comprises at least chromium; and
(b) adding sodium selenite to the solution of EDTA-complexes to form the trace element solution in which the molar ratio of selenium in the form of sodium selenite to the metal compounds to the EDTA complexes varies between 1:4.8:4.8 and 1:19:19.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , in which the EDTA-complexes comprise at least one of the metal cation components selected from the group consisting of copper, manganese, zinc, zinc and molybdenum and chromium .
3. A trace element solution as prepared by a method as claimed in claim 1 .
4. A trace element solution as claimed in claim 3 , which is an injectable solution.
5. A trace element solution as claimed in claim 3 , which is a drenchable solution.
6. A stock lick, which comprises a trace element solution as prepared by a method as claimed in claim 1 .
7. A method of providing trace elements to animals, such as livestock, which comprises the steps of preparing a trace element solution as claimed in claim 1 , and of providing the solution in a suitable quantity to an animal.