Production and egg quality of Lohmann Brown Lite laying hens as influenced by source and dietary inclusion concentration of zinc, copper, and manganese

Abstract

The egg formation process is complex and can be influenced by a multitude of factors, one of which includes the availability of vital trace minerals in the hens’ diet. Although calcium carbonate makes up the largest part of the eggshell, trace minerals such as zinc, copper, and manganese influence the structure and the strength of the shell. Trace minerals also act as catalysts in various enzymatic processes important for normal homeostasis and egg production. Adding trace minerals to the diets of laying hens, has been a longstanding practice, these minerals were traditionally sourced from various sulphide and oxide salts. However, in the light of the significant increases in the modern layer hens’ egg production rate and productive lifespan, the nutritional requirements for trace minerals may not be met by simply increasing the mineral inclusion level in the diet, as this does not necessarily correlate with an increase in the absorption of the mineral. Organic minerals, especially chelated methionine mineral sources, may ameliorate this problem, due to minerals being absorbed inadvertently through amino acid uptake regulators