Prebiotic fructans and organic acids as feed additives improving mineral availability

Abstract

Mineral availability is one of the most important concerns in poultry nutrition. In modern, high-producing, meat and laying poultry, mineral metabolism disorders often lead to decreased eggshell quality and osteoporosis in laying hens and bone weakness in broiler chickens. This has negative effects not only on the economic profitability of production but also on the welfare of the birds. The article discusses the results of studies on the effect of chosen feed additives, namely organic acids and prebiotic fructans, on mineral utilisation in poultry. The results of some of the experiments presented in the article indicate that the use of these additives may have a positive impact on mineral metabolism in poultry.

Keywords::

• prebiotic fructans
• organic acids
• minerals
• eggshell quality
• bone quality