the number of cracked eggs has been reduced from 5.6% down to 3.6%. Previous studies in breeder stock confirmed such findings and reported for example a significant improvement on eggshell strength of 3.6% when standard ITM have been replaced by lower levels of chelated trace minerals. The so-called “Benchmark 25%” in Figure 5 is a reference by


which the eggshell quality of the Mintrex fed birds can be compared to historical data. Below this 25%-line, the eggshell quality is better than best 25% over the previous years. Comparing the results with this benchmark, the amount of cracked eggs was significantly lower in 5 out of 6 houses (Figure 5). Such observations can be explained by an improved supply of trace minerals to the tissue and metabolism of the animals. Trace minerals play a key role during eggshell formation as the calcification process and the enzymes involved required Zn, Cu and Mn. As a result, animals in the Mintrex group react with better eggshell mineralization.


Figure 5: Beating the benchmark by using Mintrex


the potential of replacing inorganic minerals with lower levels of stable HMTBa-Chelated trace minerals in breeder diets. Finally, yet importantly, a higher trace mineral supply to the


Table 2 summarises the effects including a simplified cost and


return on investment calculation. The overall economic advantage is influenced by an optimized feed utilization (lower feed intake per housed hen or day old chick) as well as the improved hatchability (%). The data on lower feed consumption per hen housed or day old chick is supported by similar studies in broiler breeders, showing 9% less feed used per hatched egg. In this study, the feed intake per day old chick was 5.5% lower for the hens receiving HMTBa-chelated trace minerals. Spending 6.7 € cents per housed hen over the whole production cycle resulted in additional 85 € cents. In other words: 1 Euro spend for higher available trace minerals will results in a return of 12.6 Euro. The return on investment calculation clearly demonstrates


Table 2: Return on Investment Calculation


egg yolk has an effect on the developing embryo and as a result the health and growth of day old chickens. In previous trials with heavy breeders, highly available trace minerals not only increased the amount of trace minerals in the egg yolk, but also resulted in an increased bone mineralization as well as tibia and femur thickness of the day old chickens. This is not surprising, as bone formation requires a collagen and cartilage matrix. For the synthesis of these tissues Zn, Cu and Mn plays a key role. A better mineralization and formation of important structural tissue together with a more efficient immune system will have an impact on the survival and growth rate of the day old chicken. As an important indicator for healthy chickens, the 7-day mortality rate was used in the present study (Table 3). The mortality rate in the control group was already at low levels, however could be further reduced by 0.1%. Conclusively, not only do the breeder animals benefit from a higher trace mineral supply, in addition the transfer of trace minerals to the egg helps the development of the embryo and day old chicken.


Table 3: Improved development of day old chickens 7 day mortality


Control 0.96%


Mintrex 0.86%


Conclusion Trace minerals are essential for maintaining health and productivity in poultry nutrition. Replacing inorganic trace minerals with lower levels of highly bio-available methionine-hydroxy-analog chelates in breeder diets improved hatchability, egg shell quality and profitability as seen in a large scale commercial trial. Embryo and progeny development can be improved by higher trace mineral transfer to the egg, supporting immune development and livability of the day old chicks. Commercial usage in numerous studies confirms the economic benefit of using lower levels of HMTBa-Chelates including less mineral excretion to the environment.


FEED COMPOUNDER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 41


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