The Impact of Different Sources of Zinc, Manganese, and Copper on Broiler Performance and Excreta Output

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Maximising broiler production without negatively affecting the environment is currently paramount. This study was conducted because minerals such as zinc, manganese, and copper are usually provided in excess of the animal’s requirements, which leads to excretion and potential environmental contamination. Different sources of these minerals were tested to determine the best dietary source that would optimize broiler chicken growth whilst reducing the excretion of excess minerals to the environment. This study showed that these minerals provided in their hydroxy form reduced the excretion to the environment without affecting the growth, feed intake, or feed-to-gain ratio of broiler chickens. ABSTRACT: Commercial premixes provide trace minerals (TM) such as zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) in excess of the requirements to maximize broiler performance. High inclusion levels of TM in broiler feed and their low absorption in the gastrointestinal tract leads to increased levels of TM in the excreta, resulting in the contamination of the environment. A 35-day broiler trial was conducted with 2880 one-day-old Cobb broiler males to test the effect of the supplementation of different sources of TM on growth performance, while evaluating levels in the excreta. Inorganic (ITM), organic (OTM), and hydroxy (HTM) sources of TM were tested against a positive control of current recommended levels of ITM. At 35 d, birds fed HTM were 55 g (p < 0.05) heavier than those fed ITM at the same inclusion level. In contrast, birds fed the control, OTM, and HTM showed no significant difference in body weight. Providing broilers with HTM significantly (p < 0.05) reduced Zn and Cu excretion at 35 d of when compared to those who were fed diets containing ITM or PC. Supplementing different sources of TM to broiler diets at levels below the recommendations showed no negative effect on broiler performance. The use of HTM significantly reduced TM excretion in broilers. The use of HTM in broiler diets can maintain broiler performance and reduce the negative impact on the environment.