Hydroxy trace minerals show heavier carcass weights compared to sulphate-fed broilers
R&D
A study performed in Spain found that birds yielded larger live and carcass weights and a higher percentage of breast meat when fed hydroxy trace minerals as compared to broilers fed inorganic trace minerals.
Hydroxy trace minerals can improve the bird’s value
Over the past 20 years, numerous studies conducted globally to evaluate various forms of supplemental copper and zinc in broiler diets have confirmed the ability of these important trace minerals to improve carcass weights, yield and quality. More specifically, hydroxy trace minerals have been shown to be able to improve the value of each bird over inorganic sources of trace minerals.
In 2016, a study conducted at an experimental facility in Spain measured the results of hydroxy trace mineral sources of copper and zinc versus inorganic trace minerals (sulphates) when fed at nutritional levels.
Trials showing the results in broilers
Researchers allocated a total of 176 birds to four treatments. During 35 days, two treatment groups were fed hydroxy trace minerals, Selko IntelliBond C and Selko IntelliBond Z. One group received 15 ppm of copper and zinc and the other received 80 ppm. Two other groups received 15 ppm or 80 ppm of copper and zinc in the form of sulphates. Carcass traits were assessed in all groups.
At the end of the study, researchers found numerical improvements in the broilers fed hydroxy trace minerals over those fed inorganics. Birds in the hydroxy trace mineral programmes had heavier live weights (7.4%) and heavier carcass weights (7.7%) compared to sulphate-fed broilers. Hydroxy trace minerals also contributed to an increased breast meat percentage (16.1%) compared to birds fed inorganic trace minerals (15.3%).
These data indicate that changing the source of trace minerals from inorganic sources to hydroxy trace minerals in the diet of broilers may have the ability to improve carcass traits such as weight and breast meat yield.
Figure 1. Daily feed growth (left) and daily feed intake (right) of broilers fed different trace mineral programmes for 35 days.
Figure 2. Feed conversion (mortality corrected) of broilers fed different trace mineral programmes for 35 days.
Figure 3. Live and carcass weights of broilers fed different trace mineral programmes for 35 days. Letters above bars denote statistically different values (p < 0.05).
Figure 4. Carcass and breast meat yield of broilers fed different trace mineral programmes for 35 days. Letters above bars denote statistically different values (p < 0.05).
About Selko
Selko is the feed additives brand of Trouw Nutrition, a Nutreco company. Selko’s portfolio consists of natural feed additive solutions that add value to integrators, feed mills and farmers. Focus areas are Salmonella control, feed safety, gut health in antibiotic-free production systems and trace mineral nutrition solutions. Selko solutions are offered as a complete package consisting of products, know-how and services. The Selko brand encompasses blends of organic acids, organic and hydroxy trace minerals, betaine and mycotoxin binders. Trouw Nutrition’s global sales organisation commercialises the Selko feed additives brand.