Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Trace minerals are a crucial component of diets for all types of poultry. Although they are only used in small amounts, trace minerals are vital components to ensure optimal growth, performance, immune function and overall health of the birds. Most available research on organic trace minerals has focused on high-performing commercial poultry; little research has focused on heritage-type breeds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of organic trace minerals on heritage-type birds. Materials and Methods: For this trial, 68 heritage type Rhode Island Red birds were either fed a control diet (C) containing 100 ppm Zn and Mn from sulfates or the control diet supplemented with 40 ppm organic Zn and Mn (organic trace minerals) from day of hatch to 63 days of age. Weekly body weights, footpad lesion scores (28 and 56 day) and feather scores (28 day) were recorded throughout the nine-week experiment. Results: There were slight numerical increases in body weight as well as significant improvement (p≤0.05) on footpad lesion scores in the organic trace mineral (OTM) group compared to the C group. In addition, there was a numerical improvement in feather scores for the OTM group. Conclusion: Based on this data, OTM appear to deliver similar nutritional benefits in heritage-type birds as previously reported in commercial birds.