The efficacy of organic minerals in poultry nutrition: review and implications of recent studies

Abstract

The aim of this review paper is to update, present and discuss the current research findings from recent studies regarding the efficacy of organic sources of microelements in poultry nutrition. Most intensively evaluated in poultry feeding studies have been organic forms, i.e., proteinates and amino acids complexes and chelates, of such microelements as Zn, Mn and Cu. The results of these studies are not always consistent, particularly in regard to performance indices; however, the majority of the findings from recent experiments indicate that organic minerals are an effective source of microelements, and can replace, with some advantages, inorganic forms of minerals in poultry diets. One of the main benefits is the option to use lower inclusion levels of minerals added in organic forms, which may reduce the mineral content in the resulting poultry excreta.

Keywords::

• poultry
• organic minerals
• zinc
• manganese
• copper