Broiler Breeder Performance

3. Mortality Feeding complexed zinc and manganese to broilers has consistently shown a reduction in mortality. By enhancing the immune system through increased zinc status, the birds stay healthier, grow faster and are better able to cope with disease challenges. Fourteen research projects were summarized showing the effects of feeding complexed zinc and manganese to broilers. The results show a consistent (P<0.001) reduction in mortality (5.98 vs. 7.68%) in broilers when compared to broilers fed control diets containing inorganic trace minerals (30). Additional research conducted in Mexico looked at the effects of feeding complexed zinc and manganese to broilers in conditions conducive to inducing ascites. The addition of complexed zinc and manganese reduced (P<0.05) total mortality (10.4 vs. 12.9%) and mortality from ascites (5.8 vs. 7.8%) compared to broilers fed the sulfate control diet (31). The above research was conducted using broilers that have a relatively short lifespan. However, birds with a longer productive lifespan also have shown decreased mortality when fed diets supplemented with trace mineral amino acid complexes. Research conducted in laying hens showed decreased mortality (12.1 vs. 13.7%) when feeding zinc amino acid complex from one-day of age through sixty-four weeks of age (18). Additionally, broiler breeders fed complexed zinc and manganese from one-day of age through sixty-five weeks of age had lower mortality (6.51 vs. 8.43%) than the control group fed inorganic zinc and manganese (21).

4. Fertility Two research trials looked at the effects of supplemental complexed zinc and manganese in broiler breeder diets (21, 32). A numerical trend for improved fertility was seen in both trials (83.5% vs. 83.8%; 78% vs. 85%). Male broiler breeders may also benefit from the use of complexed zinc in the diet. Zinc is a necessary component of sperm and semen production. Feeding zinc to male breeders of other species has increased sperm concentration and sperm motility (4, 5, 9).

5. Hatching Eggs Egg size and eggshell quality are two factors that affect the number of hatching eggs available for setting. Research has demonstrated that feeding complexed trace minerals will improve the number of quality eggs.

6. Hatchability Two research trials looked at the effects on hatchability when supplementing complexed zinc and manganese in broiler breeder diets (21, 32). There was a numerical trend for improved hatchability in both trials (68% vs. 73%, 83.5% vs. 84.2%).

USDA-ARS Image # K3627-16. Photo by Keith Weller

7. Chick Production and Chick Quality When all aspects of the broiler breeder production system are functioning properly, the producer will see improved flock performance. Improved performance means increased profitability. Feeding complexed trace minerals will improve immunity, decrease mortality, and increase fertility and hatchability. These benefits all pay off in the production of a higher quality day-old-chick. A trial using broiler breeders demonstrated the positive results of feeding complexed trace minerals on the production of day-old-chicks. Broiler breeders fed complexed trace minerals produced more chicks per hen (Figure 7) compared to hens fed the control diet containing only inorganic trace minerals (21). Additional research found that broiler chicks from hens fed zinc and manganese amino acid complexes had increased livability through 17 days of age (35; Figure 8). These data suggest that feeding the hen trace mineral amino acid complexes improves chick quality.

Figure 7. Chicks Per Hen

Figure 8. Amino Acid Complexes Increase Livability of Broiler Breeder Progeny