Effects of various levels of organic and inorganic trace minerals on performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters of broiler chickens

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of various levels of organic and inorganic trace minerals (zinc, copper and manganese) on performance, carcass and tibia characteristics and blood parameters of broiler chickens. 224 one-day old Ross 308 male broilers in a completely randomized design were raised until 42 days. 4 experimental treatments were: T1) Inorganic form of Zn, Cu and Mn to 110, 16 and 120 mg, T2) Organic form of Zn, Cu and Mn to 110, 16 and 120 mg, T3) Inorganic form of Zn, Cu and Mn to 55, 8 and 60 mg, T4) Organic form of Zn, Cu and Mn to 55, 8 and 60 mg. Results indicated that organic zinc, copper and manganese supplementation improved (P< 0.05) body weight gain and feed conversion ratio compare to inorganic form of the trace minerals. Moisture content and pH of the litter were not affected by the treatments. However, the incidence and severity of FPD were lower in broilers received organic trace minerals (T2 and T4). Highest Zn and Manganez content in tibia was found for treatments 2 and 4. Moreover, highest blood alkaline phosphatase enzyme and lowest blood cholesterol were also obtained for treatments 2 and 4. . The results showed that organic trace minerals, as alternative to inorganic forms, are useful to improve performance and health of broilers.