Effect of additives with chelated forms of trace minerals on growth performance of broiler chickens, feed nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics

Abstract

Demand for chicken meat has been growing in recent years, requiring prominent production levels and efficient feed conversion. The purpose of this study was to determine the productivity, preservation, and slaughter performance of broiler chickens, feed conversion on the background of feeding with additives with chelated forms of trace minerals. Poultry growth intensity was determined according to zootechnical methods, slaughter indicators – according to morphological methods, and statistical analysis of the results was used. By the end of the rearing period, the live weight of broiler chickens in the groups where the dietary supplement with chelated trace minerals (second group) and copper chelate complex (third group) was significantly higher than in the control group – by 6.9% and 13.8%, and the relative increase was 4.5 percentage points and 8.5 percentage points, respectively. The growth rate of broilers in terms of average daily weight gain is higher in these groups by 6.8% and 14.2%, respectively. The safety of poultry in the experimental groups is 4% better than in the control group. The feed conversion of a diet with chelated trace element additives is higher. Feed consumption in the experimental groups was reduced by 2.8% when feeding the selected additive and by 9.7% when feeding the copper chelate complex. The results of balance studies revealed an increase in the digestibility of nutrients in the diet of broiler chickens. Additives with micronutrient chelates are effective in increasing slaughter yield, meatiness of the thighs and shins, and pectoral muscles by 5.3-6.2 percentage points. The broilers of the experimental groups had a higher meatiness of the thighs and shins. The highest growth rate was found in broilers fed a copper chelate complex in their diet. The lower feed conversion in the control group is due to the lower body weight of these chickens. Based on the research data obtained, the possibility of effective introduction of additives with chelated microminerals into the diet of broiler chickens was established, which helped to increase the growth rate and meat yield. The results can be used in farm poultry farms to produce more products and reduce the cost of chicken production