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Trace minerals are essential for broiler growth. Traditionally these trace minerals are supplemented in the form of inorganic salts such as sulphates, oxides and carbonates, to provide levels of minerals which prevent clinical deficiencies and/or allow the bird to reach its genetic potential for growth. However, these supplemental inorganic trace minerals result in a high level of mineral excretion. It is believed that organic chelates of minerals provide alternative pathways for absorption, thus leading to a reduction in the excretion of minerals. However, the requirements of organic trace minerals for poultry are not known and data on the difference between inorganic and organic mineral sources on mineral excretion are scarce. Most studies on organic minerals for broilers have used conventional diets, which makes it difficult to separate the effect of the supplemental minerals from that of the endogenous minerals in the ingredients. On the other hand, purified diets usually decrease feed intake of broilers and compromise the growth of the chick (Wedekind 1992). |
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