Effect of Different Levels of Dietary Organic (Bioplex) Trace Minerals on Live Performance of Broiler Chickens by Growth Phases

Trace mineral proteinates (peptides) for rapid absorption and assimilation can replace inorganic supplements in broiler diets, possibly lowering inclusion rates and mineral excretions. Bioplex (BP) minerals, with di- and tripeptides, were compared at 5 levels to no trace minerals (NEGCON) or inorganic minerals (INORG 100%). The INORG 100% treatment had 15 ppm Cu (sulfate), 45 ppm Fe (sulfate), 45 ppm Mn (oxide), and 45 ppm Zn (oxide) added, and Bioplex minerals were added at the same mineral concentrations (BP100%) or at lower proportions (BP17%, BP33%, BP50%, and BP67%) to wheat-corn-soy-based diets. Ross 308 broiler chicks (1,764 total) were used in the litter pen trial to 42 d of age. Compared with INORG100%, BP67% improved gain from 1 to 10 d and BP100% treatment improved gain from 11 to 21 d. The INORG100% and BP100% increased 42-d BW compared with NEGCON. From 1 to 21 d, the BP100% improved FCR compared with NEGCON and INORG100%. Feed intake was higher for INORG100%, BP50%, BP67%, and BP100% compared with NEGCON from 11 to 42 d. No significant differences were found among Bioplex treatments. Mortality percentage and European broiler index did not differ significantly among any of the treatments.