Why choose different forms of Trace Minerals? Are they important?
Trace minerals are an important part of poultry feeds as they play crucial roles in its growth and production. Though required in smaller quantity, they carry out essential vital functions within the bird’s body. Their presence in optimal quantities is necessary for achieving growth and production efficiency in the flock. The deficiency of these trace minerals can be quite evident as that of major minerals, nonetheless, it will be reflected in terms of subclinical signs like non-uniformity, inconsistent performance etc.
The requirement of trace minerals will depend on various factors like species, breed, age, production stage, feed intake, etc. Merely supplying a said quantum of trace mineral will not suffice the animal’s requirement. It is the form and the level of trace minerals and the antagonists present in the diet that will determine the availability of trace minerals to the animal for metabolic functions. There are two major forms/sources in which trace minerals are available: inorganic and organic.
In addition to the differences in the efficiency of absorption of the target metal into the bloodstream, different sources can affect nutrition and animal performance in at least four other important ways:
(1) destruction of nutrients, including vitamins, in a feed mixture,
(2) interactions with other nutrients in the digestive tract,
(3) direct influence on gut microbial ecology; and
(4) effects on the animal’s natural immune functions.
The various forms of trace minerals need to be diligently chosen by the animal producer with respect to their production goal.
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