New large-scale trial confirms breeder performance, egg shell structure and progeny development depend on the right trace mineral source in the diet


By Dr. Sven Keller (Novus Deutschland GmbH), Dr. Filip Boel (Veterinarian, Broederijgroep BHV) & Marcel Kuijpers (Technical Advisor, Kuikenbroederij van Hulst B.V.)


Efficient and high performing breeder performance requires a strong focus on well-balanced nutrients for the birds. Beside the key components in the diet like energy sources, proteins or vitamins, new understandings in the field of trace mineral nutrition allow nutritionists to better adapt the feed to the requirement of the birds. Trace minerals such as Zn, Cu and Mn have particular roles in the


synthesis of fundamental structures, essential for tissue development like cartilage, bone or eggshell structure. Furthermore, they are essential components for the immune function, the reproduction and the embryo development. As a result, the adequate supply of trace minerals to breeders will not only affect the hatching rate or eggshell quality, but also at the same time the embryo and chick development. Trace minerals have therefore been added in the feed for


many years as so called inorganic trace mineral salts (ITM) such as Zinc-Oxide or Cu-Sulphate. However, it is well accepted, that these inorganic trace minerals are poorly absorbed from the digestive tract of animals (low bioavailability). Intensive research and controlled field evaluations over the last years have proven superior bioavailability by using organic trace minerals chelated with Methionine-Hydroxy- Analog (HMTBa). The elements zinc, copper and manganese are bound to the HMTBa in a well-defined chelated structure (MINTREX, Novus International Inc). The Methionine-Hydroxy-Analog protects the trace mineral from antagonistic effects allowing it to be more efficiently absorbed from the digestive tract. In modern feeding concepts, inorganic trace elements are therefore replaced by Methione-Hydroxy- Analog Chelates, allowing a lower inclusion rate while benefiting from better performance and health of the animal. Due to the key role of trace elements such as Zn, Cu and Mn


on reproduction, embryo development or eggshell structure, it is not surprising that trials in breeder diets with Mintrex have consistently shown an increase in the number of hatchable eggs. It also results in better egg and chick quality as seen in lower mortality rates and improved bone development of the progeny. As a summary and based on trials it can be concluded that replacing inorganic trace minerals with lower concentrations of Methionine-Hydroxy-Analog Chelates in breeder diets will result in: • •


Enhanced hatchability and laying rate Improved eggshell quality (e.g. fewer cracked eggs)


• Better embryo and chick development (lower mortality rates, improved bone development) Improved breeder longevity


•


• To support and confirm these findings, a commercial trial has


Lower mortality rates


been set up together with a leading hatchery organization (BHV, Belgium). The trial was coordinated and supervised by Dr. Filip Boel (Veterinarian, Broederijgroep BHV), Marcel Kuijpers (Technical Advisor, Kuikenbroederij van Hulst B.V.) and Dr. Sven Keller (Novus Deutschland GmbH). Trace minerals have been applied by using the established “Reduce and Replace” strategy: replacing inorganic sources with lower levels of high quality chelated HMTBa-Minerals (Table 1).


Table 1 Treatment


Inorganic Trace Minerals MINTREX (R&R)


ppm Zn 100 50


ppm Cu 15 10


ppm Mn 100 65


The trial was carried out in a commercial broiler breeder operation in the Netherlands and the feed was supplied by a Dutch producer: • Ross 308 broiler breeders • 6 identical houses with a total number of approx. 43 000 animals • Start of the trial at the age of 20 weeks up to week 60 (end of 2016) • Production parameters have been recorded on a weekly basis by house


• Shell quality (4 times per flock, 450 eggs/house) Production data from 2016 was compared to the previous year


2015 and, if available, to an average benchmark which was the average results over the last 5 years (called average in the graphs). Hatchery data of the commercial breeder farm are well documented and show a clear consistency over the last years. As the hatchery data show uniform and consistent results over the previous years, they can be used as a basis for the comparative trial. In this trial, the average of previous years can be compared with the control group (2015) as well as to the Mintrex group (2016). This will guarantee that the control group is a realistic comparative benchmark.


Results Figure 1 shows the average hatched eggs (%) related to the age of the hens. Laying period started from week 24 and reached quickly maximum levels. The stable plateau was affected at an age of week 37/38 due to an avian pneumovirus (APV) infection, typically lowering


FEED COMPOUNDER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 39


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