The effect of dietary supplementation of organic trace minerals on performance, mineral retention, lymphoid organs and antibody titres of broilers

Complete replacement of inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with proteinated organic (PTM) at equal or lower inclusion rates was evaluated. One thousand and eight, one-d-old male chicks were divided into 24 pens containing 42 chicks, randomly allocated to one the following: T1: control group ITM supplied standard commercial level in Ecuador; T2: PTM 100% T1; T3: 66% TI; T4: 33% T1. The 42-d experiment employed a three-phase feeding programme (1-14, 15-28 29-42 d). Restricted used prevent development ascites associated high altitude. At 21 d age, Cu, Mn Zn retention measured tibial bone, Fe whole blood. Lymphoid organ weights age. Antibody titres by ELISA Weight gain, feed consumption, conversion mortality similar among treatments, although below breed expectations due restriction practices. Blood not affected treatment (P<0.05). both tibia differed (P<0.01), concentrations being significantly higher all groups, compared d. However, d, for ITM-fed birds. No differences lymphoid (bursa, thymus, spleen) observed, Gumboro (infectious bursal disease), infections bronchitis virus reovirus antibody titres. For Newcastle disease virus, T4 birds had other groups. In conclusion, form no negative impact on performance, weight broilers raised under conditions altitude restricted feeding.