Introduction

Maintaining high performance of the broiler breeder flock is essential to the profitability of a breeder operation as well as the integrated poultry operations it supplies. Increasing the number of top grade quality chicks is a key objective. This objective is only obtained when all aspects of production are well managed. Flock health, hatchery management and nutrition programs must meet the high standards of the genetic strain. One area of nutrition often overlooked is trace mineral nutrition. Improving zinc, manganese and copper nutrition will have dramatic effects on the performance of the broiler breeder flock. The objectives of this paper are to review the roles of these trace minerals and the effects of these trace minerals on broiler breeder performance.