BENEFITS OF TRACE MINERALS, CHELATED WITH METHIONINE HYDROXY ANALOGUE, ON BREEDER PERFORMANCE AND CHICK DEVELOPMENT

摘要

The performance of layer breeders has continued to improve as a result of the genetic selection programs applied by the breeder companies. This process places even greater demands on the bird. Therefore the nutritionist has responsibility to ensure the health and productivity of the flock in addition to the quality of the egg and subsequent chick. Whereas broiler nutrition focuses on rapid growth and early maturity, feed intake of the breeder is restricted to balance the negative correlation betweengrowth rate and reproduction. Within these constraints the nutritionist is required to maintain the intake of key nutrients to meet the demands of production. While there are clear guidelines concerning the major nutrients such as energy, calcium and amino acids, there is continued discussion concerning some of the other nutrient groups. An example of this would be trace mineral supply. Most of our understanding in this area has been achieved by the application of severe mineral deficiencies which demonstrate poor egg production and hatchability. By contrast we have less information concerning the impact of more subtle changes in the supply of key trace minerals on breeder health, egg production, chick quality and subsequent performance. This article will discuss new developments in this area and the exciting potential for improving progeny development through the supply of key trace minerals to the layer breeder.