Optimising poultry health and performance starts with the right trace minerals. Highly bioavailable sources such as L-selenomethionine and hydroxy trace minerals can enhance fertility, growth, and sustainability in modern poultry production.
Modern poultry production emphasizes optimizing production and reproductive performance, including egg production, growth, and fertility. Achieving optimal results relies on a combination of nutrition, management, and genetics, with trace minerals playing an essential role in sustaining various biological functions that support high performance.
Selenium, for example, is integral due to its incorporation into selenoenzymes, which help reduce oxidative stress and enhance fertility, immune function, and growth. Other critical trace minerals—copper, zinc, and manganese—support various enzyme activities. Copper aids in red blood cell maturation and combats free radicals, while zinc and manganese contribute to skin health and skeletal development, respectively.
While trace elements are naturally present in feed ingredients, levels are often too low for intensively reared animals. Hence, it’s common to supplement these essential minerals, ideally in highly bioavailable forms determined largely by their source.
L-selenomethionine: The Superior Selenium Source
Selenium sources can be divided into organic and inorganic forms. Among the organic options, L-selenomethionine not only integrates into selenoenzymes but also gets stored in animal protein like methionine. This ‘safe deposit’ allows a continuous supply of selenium, even during stress periods when feed intake is reduced. L-selenomethionine has shown various positive effects in poultry due to its enhanced bioavailability.
Research indicates that broilers receiving L-selenomethionine demonstrate improved growth performance and meat quality compared to those receiving inorganic selenium. For laying hens, L-selenomethionine supplementation can enhance selenium deposition in eggs and extend their shelf life.
A recent study at the University of Lavras in Brazil analyzed the effects of various organic selenium sources in Cobb-500 breeders. The trial, which divided 360 females and 36 males into six groups, included treatments like sodium selenite (control), L-selenomethionine, selenized yeast, and OH-selenomethionine across different selenium levels.
Results showcased greater reproductive performance, including improved egg production and fertility, in breeders receiving organic selenium. L-selenomethionine showed superior outcomes compared to selenized yeast and OH-selenomethionine. Additionally, male breeders supplemented with L-selenomethionine had better sperm motility and viability.
Hydroxy Trace Minerals: Enhanced Bioavailability and Stability
Bioavailability of trace minerals is vital for optimal nutrition. A broiler trial in Belgium (KU Leuven) examined hydroxy trace minerals versus inorganic sulphates, finding that broilers receiving lower levels of hydroxy minerals achieved comparable if not superior performance metrics.
During the grower phase, birds receiving hydroxy minerals notably outperformed the control group in feed conversion ratio (FCR), suggesting that hydroxy minerals allow for lower inclusion levels while maintaining performance due to their superior bioavailability.
When integrating feed additives like phytase, it’s crucial to note that phytate can bind with minerals, reducing their bioavailability. Replacing soluble inorganic sources with hydroxy trace minerals can enhance phytase efficacy and overall nutritional absorption.
Moreover, various studies have demonstrated that using hydroxy copper instead of copper sulphate can enhance phytase effectiveness. It’s also worth noting that minerals may interact with vitamins, degrading their efficacy. A study found that a premix with inorganic minerals had a 10% lower vitamin A concentration than one made with hydroxy minerals after three months.
The Broader Picture of Mineral Nutrition
When addressing essential nutrients like trace minerals, it’s crucial to consider both the inclusion levels and the mineral sources. L-selenomethionine stands out as the most effective selenium form, while hydroxy forms of copper, zinc, and manganese are excellent sources. Opting for these premium trace minerals enables healthier poultry capable of meeting environmental challenges, which is increasingly vital in the ongoing push for sustainability within the industry.
