Background – The first week after hatch is the most critical period in the life of a broiler chicken. Several recent studies have examined the utilisation of energy and protein in the newly hatched chick, but corresponding data on mineral utilisation is scanty.
Objective – To determine the retention of major minerals (Ca, P, Mg, K and Na) and some trace minerals (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) of diets based on wheat, sorghum and maize during the first two weeks post-hatch of broilers.
Design – Three diets containing wheat, sorghum and maize as the cereal base were formulated. All three diets were formulated to contain similar levels of energy, amino acids and major minerals. Each diet was fed ad libitum to six replicate groups (8 birds/replicate) from days 1 to 14 post-hatching. On days 3, 5, 7, 9 and 14, total excreta collection method was employed to determine the mineral retention.
Outcomes – For all minerals, the retention values were higher at day 3 and then declined during 5 to 9 days, before increasing at day 14 post-hatching. Among minerals analysed, the retention of Na was the highest and those of Zn and Cu were the lowest. Cereal effects were significant only for Ca and P, with sorghum-based diets having high retention values.
Conclusion – The capacity to absorb and retain minerals appears to be limiting during the first week of life in modern fast-growing broilers.