Mineral Nutrition, Health and Performance Interrelationship in Broiler Chicken

Abstract

Two feeding trials were conducted to study the effect of a feed supplement i.e. yeast-derived zinc, selenium and chromium and nano-mineral (nano-hydroxyapatite as an alternative to inorganic dicalcium phosphate) on productive performance, carcass traits, immune response, intestinal integrity, calcium and phosphorus metabolism and bone mineralization in broiler chicks. Experiment I. A total of 1092 one-day-old unsexed broilers of Ross 308 strain were randomly allocated to two treatment groups, each group consists of 546 birds divided into 6 replicates with 91 birds each. The experiment extended for 35 days. The experimental design was as follows: Group1: fed a basal diet without yeast-based Zn, Se and Cr supplementation (control). Group2: fed the basal diet supplemented (per kg diet) with 1.5 mg, 0.15 mg and 2 µg of Zn, Se, and Cr respectively offered as a commercial mix added at the rate of 50 g/ton (Fertapromine®, obtained from the American Microbiotech Company; Microbiotech USA, Inc.). Feed intake and the change in body weight were recorded weekly. The body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Carcass traits (carcass weight, dressing percentage, and the breast and thigh yield) and immune organs weights were recorded. Haemagglutination inhibition test for NDV and AI H5N1 was carried out on 7,14,21,28 and 35 days of age. Histo-morphometric examination of the small intestine and bursa. The obtained results indicated that birds supplemented with yeast-based Zn, Se and Cr increased (P<0.05) the growth rate, carcass weight, dressing percentage, and both breast and thigh yield, but decreased feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality rate.