Supplementation of minerals and vitamins in broiler diets: effect on performance and bone quality

Abstract

Abstract Differences in growth rate and carcass composition of broilers may require higher levels of vitamins and minerals with higher bioavailability. The aim of this trial was to supplement commercial diets for broilers with optimized levels of vitamins and with different mineral sources to assess the effect on performance, carcass yield and bone quality. A total of 1,800 Cobb Slow male broiler chicks were distributed into a 2 x 2 factorial completely randomized design (vitamin programs - optimized and commercial versus mineral sources - inorganic [sulfates] and carbo-amino-phospho-chelate, CAPC). The vitamin D3 metabolite, 25 (OH) D3, was included in the optimized vitamin premix. Birds and feed leftovers were weekly weighed. Data was subjected to statistical analysis using the GLM procedure of SAS software. Supplementing diets with a combination of optimized vitamin programs and CAPC as mineral source resulted in better feed conversion at 42 days of age (P<0.05). Supplementation with CAPC minerals resulted in a lower red index (*a) (P<0.05) in the adjacent thigh muscles and drumstick bones of broilers when thawed and roasted, indicating less bone porosity. The inclusion rates of mineral sources with higher bioavailability can be reduced, decreasing the negative impact of mineral excretion and the polluting effect on the environment.