Vol. 9, Issue 11, Part D (2025)

The effects of varying trace mineral source inclusion levels on the growth performance of commercial broiler chickens were assessed using a controlled experimental investigation. A total of 120 day-old Cobb-400 chicks with identical ages and genetic backgrounds were split into five nutritional treatment groups at random, with four duplicates of 24 birds in each group. 100% inorganic trace minerals (ITM) were added to the basal diet of the control group (T₁), while OTM gradually replaced ITM in different ratios in the experimental diets: T₂ = 75% ITM + 25% OTM, T₃ = 50% ITM + 50% OTM, T₄ = 25% ITM + 75% OTM, and T₅ = 100% OTM. Key growth performance metrics, such as live body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were carefully documented every week for all duplicates over the six-week trial period. Data analysis showed that birds fed the T₅ diet, which completely substituted organic sources for inorganic trace minerals, had significantly (p<0.05) higher final body weights, greater cumulative weight gain, and better feed utilization efficiency than birds fed the control diet. These findings suggest that organic trace elements can effectively improve nutrient utilization, encourage healthy growth, and increase feed conversion efficiency in broiler chickens due to their increased bioavailability and enhanced absorption. In order to optimize growth performance and overall production efficiency under commercial raising circumstances, it may be possible to replace some or all of the inorganic trace minerals in broiler diets with organic versions.