Broiler Breeders Fed Diets Supplemented with Conventional or Lipid Matrix Microencapsulated Trace Minerals at Standard or High Levels: Part II—Influence on Hatching Egg Quality †
Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
This manuscript is part of a Ph.D. thesis by the first author, available online at https://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/items/c0b8e542-a3f9-4fec-bade-e87dbbff5b22 (accessed on 24 March 2025).
Poultry 2025, 4(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry4020018
Submission received: 2 December 2024
/
Revised: 4 March 2025
/
Accepted: 25 March 2025
/
Published: 6 April 2025
Abstract
:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of free or microencapsulated trace mineral (TM) premixes at normal and high dietary inclusion levels on the internal and external quality and mineral composition of broiler breeder eggs. Twelve breeder pens were randomly assigned to one of four treatments consisting of a factorial arrangement of two TM premix forms (free and microencapsulated) and two dietary inclusion levels of TM premix (100% and 300% of Aviagen recommendations). Hens fed the microencapsulated TM had significantly greater vitelline membrane strength than those fed the free TM (1.92 g vs. 1.81 g, respectively (p < 0.05)). Hens fed high dietary TM levels produced eggs with significantly greater shell elasticity and yolk color than hens fed the lower TM inclusion level (0.224 mm vs. 0.247 mm, and 8.89 vs. 8.62, respectively (p < 0.05)). Only the whole-egg Mn concentration was observed to be significantly (p < 0.01) increased by the higher dietary inclusion level of TM compared to lower (0.0301 mg/g vs. 0.0248 mg/g, respectively (p < 0.01)). There were no treatment effects on eggshell mineral composition. Regardless of the dietary inclusion level, feeding broiler breeders microencapsulated TM does have some beneficial effects on the internal egg quality properties, whereas increased dietary TM supplementation levels improve the shell quality, yolk color index, and whole-egg Mn concentration. There were no significant premix form X TM premix dose effects observed.
1. Introduction
Broiler breeders produce eggs that are hatched to produce commercial meat broilers; therefore, the eggshell and internal egg compositions are critical for embryonic development and chick quality. Eggshell quality affects the number of settable eggs and hatchability, making it an important aspect of the broiler breeder industry [1,2]. Broiler breeder nutrition and feeding programs also influence fertile egg production and egg nutrient content [3,4,5,6,7], which has great importance in progeny robustness [8,9]. Progeny growth, feed utilization, bone development, and immunological responses are all dependent on broiler breeder nutrition and what nutrients are deposited into the egg [10]. It is important to note that most of the trace minerals (TMs) are deposited in the yolk, which is used by the chick through perinatal development [11]. Therefore, TM bioavailability is an important aspect of broiler breeder nutrition, and many variations can occur depending on supplementation levels and the premix form added in diet formulations. It is important to ensure that diets fed to broiler breeders contain sufficient TM levels, as insufficient levels have been determined to have detrimental impacts on egg production, eggshell quality, increased embryonic mortality, and an increase in unviable chicks [8,9].
When considering “egg quality”, calcium is one of the primary minerals of interest as calcium carbonate is the main structure of the eggshell that holds all the egg components together. However, dietary phosphorus (P) and TM are critical in the eggshell mineralization process [12]. Zinc (Zn) supplementation is required for eggshell formation, as it is a structural co-factor of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme activity in the shell gland [13] and is involved in eggshell calcium carbonate synthesis via the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate. Eggshells provide 70–90% of the calcium required for the embryo to develop [14,15,16], which elevates the importance of shell quality to support the embryo’s developmental needs.
While traversing the gastrointestinal tract, minerals can bind to dietary sources of phytate, fiber, other nutrients, or enteric secretions, thereby rendering them insoluble and less bioavailable [8] leading to greater mineral emissions into the environment. The formation of insoluble complexes can be minimized by supplementing the diet with forms of TMs that are less susceptible to complexing, such as organic complexes or chelates. Alternatively, microencapsulation in the lipid matrix may be another means to minimize the formation of insoluble TM complexes and reduce lipid peroxidation. Microencapsulated trace mineral (MITM) salts may be more resistant to dissociation and complexing in the acidic environment of the crop, proventriculus, and gizzard, thus allowing for more TMs to be delivered and absorbed by the epithelium of the small intestine. Furthermore, trace mineral and vitamin microencapsulation in the lipid matrix has been shown to possess superior storage and handling characteristics [17], where increased storage time of these ingredients is possible by lengthening the stable shelf life of these products. The hypothesis tested in this study was whether supplemental trace mineral premixes in two different forms and levels when fed to broiler breeders will have a beneficial effect on the internal/external quality and mineral content of hatching eggs.
2. Materials and Methods
One hundred and eight Ross 708 broiler breeder hens and 24 Ross HY males were randomly assigned to 12 treatment pens and managed from 26 weeks to 55 weeks of life. To test the hypothesis, this experiment was designed to evaluate 4 dietary treatments consisting of a factorial arrangement of 2 trace mineral premix forms (free and lipid matrix-protected) and 2 mineral premix supplementation levels (100% and 300% of Aviagen recommendations): (1) free 100% (FR100); (2) microencapsulated 100% (MI100); (3) free 300% (FR300); and (4) microencapsulated 300% (MI300). Table A1, Table A2, and Table A3 represent the feed formulations for the duration of this experiment. The free TM premix was manufactured by the conventional method of blending the TM with a ground rice hull carrier and limestone. The lipid matrix-protected premix form was prepared by microencapsulating active TM ingredients in a proprietary hydrogenated vegetable oil matrix (Jefo Nutrition, Inc., Saint Hyacinthe, QC, Canada). The experimental diet formulations are illustrated in Appendix A, Appendix B and Appendix C. Eggs collected at 28, 34, 38, 41, 49, and 55 weeks of life were labeled by pen, transported, and stored at 7 °C for analysis at the Prestage Department of Poultry Science Egg Quality Laboratory (NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA). Twenty-four settable quality eggs were randomly selected from each treatment so that 6 eggs could be subjected to each egg quality assay, as described below. For this experiment, sampling week intervals were not able to be kept consistent due to egg quality machine availability. The project was approved by the North Carolina State University’s IACUC. The laying hens were provided by the industry and transported to North Carolina State University property where the animals were maintained for the duration of the study.
2.1. Egg Quality
Egg weights, Haugh unit, yolk color, shell strength, shell elasticity, vitelline membrane (VM) strength, and VM elasticity were analyzed to assess egg quality. The methodologies followed those of previous research conducted at the NC State EGG Quality lab [18]. Egg weights, albumen height, and yolk color were determined using the TSS Haugh Unit System (Technical Services and Supplies Ltd. (TSS), York, UK). The Haugh Unit was automatically calculated by the software as a function of albumen height and egg weight. The yolk color index was determined by a machine (Technical Services and Supplies, Dunnington, York, UK) using the DSM Yolk Color Fan (Roche Fan) (Wilhelminasingel, Maastricht, The Netherlands). Shell strength and elasticity were determined using a Stable microsystems (TAHDplus, Stable Micro Systems, Surrey, UK) machine with a 250 kg load cell.
Through the use of the Stable Microsystems equipment (TA.HD.plus C texture analyzer; Surrey, United Kingdom), the vitelline membrane strength was determined using a 500 g load cell with a sensitivity of 0.1 g and applied pressure rate of 3.2 mm per second and the instrument set at 10 g full scale. A 1 mm wide rounded-end tip was used to apply direct pressure to the membrane. All egg quality parameters data (egg weights, Haugh unit, yolk color, shell strength, shell elasticity, vitelline membrane strength, and vitelline membrane elasticity) from all weeks of life were combined to see if there was a continuous and significant effect on these parameters through the experimental period of 26 to 55 weeks of life.
2.2. Whole-Egg Mineral Analysis
To determine egg mineral composition, the whole-egg liquid contents (albumen + yolk) of 6 eggs from each replicate were homogenized by each collection week. The methodologies for whole-egg mineral analysis were adopted from previous research [19]. Egg collection at weeks 28, 34, 38, 41, 49, and 55 of life from each replicate was used in order to evaluate the mineral contents. These eggs were dried at 50 °C for 48 h to attain the dry weight and then chemically digested with acid (HCl). The mineral composition of these eggs was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) (ICP-MS, 5800 ICP-OES, Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Whole liquid egg mineral content data were then combined from the six sampled time points (28, 34, 38, 41, 49, and 55 weeks of life) to see if there were overall significant differences in the mineral content of the eggs due to trace mineral form, dose, or treatment.
2.3. Shell Mineral Analysis
Methodologies for shell mineral analysis were adopted from previous research [19]. Six eggshells per replicate from the whole liquid egg mineral analysis were collected at 38 weeks of life. The shells were ground and then chemically digested in 2 mL of 6 N HCl to solubilize minerals prior to composition analysis. The mineral composition of the eggshells was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS, 5800 ICP-OES, Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA).
2.4. Statistical Analysis
All data were statistically analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial randomized design with 3 replicate pens as the experimental unit per treatment group. Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA (JMP 15 software; SAS Inst. Inc.; Cary, NC, USA) and the means were then compared using Tukey’s test. Data were considered significant when p < 0.05.
3. Results and Discussion
The results will be discussed with the effects of the TM microencapsulated or free premix form (MI or FR), TM dose (100% vs. 300%), and the resulting interaction, which yields four experimental treatments (free 100% (FR100), microencapsulated 100% (MI100); free 300% (FR300); and microencapsulated 300% (MI300)). Discussing data in this manner can help to explain the TM effects of the forms and doses that were supplemented in the feed for the broiler breeders.
3.1. Egg Quality
All results pertaining to internal egg quality parameters can be found in Table 1.
The vitelline membrane (VM) is critical for egg quality as it surrounds and protects the egg yolk, contributing to the integrity and freshness of the egg, as well as its fertility [20]. Vitamin and mineral nutritional status can greatly influence the strength of this membrane in laying hens. Vitamin E protects the VM from oxidative stress, and Vitamin A contributes to the structural integrity of the VM [21]. Zinc, manganese, and selenium play critical roles in protein and glycoprotein synthesis, enzyme function, and resistance to metabolic oxidation, all of which are critical for the maintenance of VM structure [7]. It was evident in this study that VM strength was impacted by the TM premix form supplement provided to the hen, which may indicate differences in bioavailability. The MI-fed hens had 6% greater VM strength than FR-fed hens (1.92 g vs. 1.81 g, respectively (p < 0.05)). This difference could be due to the better bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from the lipid matrix microencapsulated premix than the free VTM premix form, which thus contributed to increased VM strength. However, there were no significant treatment effects on VM elasticity.
Eggshell quality is essential for quality settable hatching eggs. Regardless of premix form, significant dietary TM dose level effects were observed on eggshell elasticity. Hens fed the 300% TM treatment dose had a 10.3% greater elasticity than hens fed the 100% TM dose (0.247 mm vs. 0.224 mm, respectively (p < 0.05)). However, no significant dietary treatment effects were observed on shell strength. The lack of statistical differences in shell strength was expected as the microminerals (Ca and P especially) were not manipulated in this experiment. Indeed, calcium and phosphorus play a significant part in shell mineralization [21], but no differences in the trace minerals effect could be detected in the deposition into the shell.
No significant effects of TM dose, form, or interaction effects were observed in egg weights or Haugh units. As documented in the literature, the sampled egg weights naturally increased as the weeks of lay progressed through the 27-week study period [11]. However, there were no treatment (p < 0.05) effects observed on egg weights. In contrast to Darvishi et al. [12] who observed increased egg weights with the dietary inclusion of organic Zn in comparison to inorganic Zn, we did not observe a similar effect on egg weights from hens fed diets supplemented with lipid matrix-microencapsulated TMs. Lastly, the yolk color of hens fed the 300% TM treatments had 3.13% higher values than the hens fed the 100% TM treatments (8.89 vs. 8.62, respectively (p = 0.0104)), regardless of the premix form. Increased dietary supplementation levels of amino acid complex iron [22] and manganese [23] were observed to significantly increase yolk color, which agrees with our observation of increased yolk color with increased dietary inclusion of TM.
3.2. Whole-Egg Mineral Analysis
The results pertaining to whole egg mineral analysis are illustrated in Table 2. There were no statistically significant treatment effects observed in the whole liquid egg mineral content except for Manganese (Mn). The hens subjected to the 300% TM treatment doses had 21.4% greater Mn content in the liquid egg than those subjected to the 100% TM treatment levels (0.0301 mg/g vs. 0.0248 mg/g, respectively (p = 0.0072)). This observed increase in Mn content in the egg nutrition may have potential benefits on embryonic bone formation and metabolic functions, which could offer better production results for progeny [10]. Indeed, adequate Mn status is a necessary co-factor for energy metabolism (i.e., mitochondrial function, gluconeogenesis, and glycolysis), protein metabolism, nitrogen excretion, cholesterol and steroid synthesis, and adaptations to oxidative stress [20]. Furthermore, the liquid egg contents of other minerals that were analyzed, such as Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Zinc (Zn), were observed to have no significant dietary treatment effects due to the form, dose, or their interactions. These results disagree with previous literature documenting that broiler breeder nutrition and feeding programs do influence egg nutrient content [3,4,5,6,7]. Although the microencapsulation of micronutrients is a relatively new innovation with few peer-reviewed publications to support it, the results generally agree with research reports of other forms of trace mineral protection technologies, such as organic complex or chelation methods.
3.3. Shell Mineral Analysis
Results pertaining to shell mineral analysis can be observed in Table 3. There were no significant dietary treatment effects observed on the analyzed minerals (Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in the content of eggshell, although this assay was only performed once during week 38. Because of these experimental constraints, the mineral content of eggshells could not be determined; therefore, it is possible that some differences may have been found overall or later in the laying phase. Ca and P are integral in the formation of the eggshell [12,21], and a possible explanation for why no shell mineral composition differences were observed is that no manipulation of the levels of macrominerals was performed in this experiment. If the hen’s macromineral requirements were already met for shell formation, further supplementation or absorption would not yield more deposition into the eggshells.
4. Conclusions
In conclusion, feeding broiler breeders lipid matrix-microencapsulated trace minerals does have some beneficial effects on internal and external egg quality properties, which may ultimately prove useful in progeny performance, or even for the quality of table eggs if tested in producing laying hens. In conclusion, in the present experiment, the main effects of feeding trace minerals at a higher inclusion (300%) were observed in enhanced eggshell elasticity, yolk color, and whole-egg manganese concentration. These findings could be useful for future experiments to deepen the understanding of feeding this novel microencapsulation product and its impact on poultry production.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, P.R.F. and R.D.M.; methodology, D.M.M.; formal analysis, D.M.M.; investigation, D.M.M. and R.D.M.; resources, D.M.M., R.D.M. and P.R.F.; data curation, D.M.M.; writing—original draft preparation, D.M.M.; writing—review and editing, D.M.M., P.R.F. and K.E.A.; supervision, P.R.F.; project administration, R.D.M.; funding acquisition, P.R.F. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research was funded by Jefo Nutrition Inc., and the APC was funded by P.R.F.
Institutional Review Board Statement
All experimental procedures on live animals used in this experiment were approved by the North Carolina State University Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC Protocol # 15-061A, approval date 06/16/2017).
Informed Consent Statement
Not Applicable.
Data Availability Statement
The original contributions presented in this study are included in the article. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Acknowledgments
We would like to acknowledge NC State University for their continued support in conducting research and allowing students to participate in hands-on animal work.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.
Appendix A
Table A1.
Experimental diets fed to broiler breeders from 27 to 34 weeks of age.
| Ingredient | Experimental Treatments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI300 | FR300 | MI100 | FR100 | |
| -------------------- % of Diet -------------------- | ||||
| Corn | 65.18 | 65.18 | 65.18 | 65.18 |
| Soybean Meal (47.5% CP) | 19.12 | 19.12 | 19.12 | 19.12 |
| Limestone fine | 7.06 | 7.06 | 7.06 | 7.06 |
| Wheat Middlings | 6.55 | 6.55 | 6.55 | 6.55 |
| Poultry Fat | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 |
| Mono-Dicalcium Phosphate | 0.48 | 0.48 | 0.48 | 0.48 |
| Salt | 0.31 | 0.31 | 0.31 | 0.31 |
| DL-Methionine | 0.17 | 0.17 | 0.17 | 0.17 |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | 0.14 | 0.14 | 0.14 | 0.14 |
| Choline Chloride (60%) | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.06 |
| L-Threonine | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Quantum Blue Phytase 750 FTU | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Protected Vitamin (PV) | 0.078 1 | 0 | 0.078 1 | 0 |
| Protected Mineral (PM) | 0.306 3 | 0 | 0.092 2 | 0 |
| Free Vitamin (FV) | 0 | 0.051 | 0 | 0.05 1 |
| Free Mineral (FM) | 0 | 0.20 3 | 0 | 0.06 2 |
| Palmitic Acid | 0 | 0.134 | 0.117 | 0.134 |
| Vermiculite | 0 | 0.0 | 0.097 | 0.140 |
| Total Ingredients | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| Calculated values: | ||||
| Metabolizable Energy, kcal/kg | 2800 | 2800 | 2800 | 2800 |
| Crude Protein, % | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Dig Lysine, % | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 |
| Dig Methionine + Cyst(e)ine, % | ||||
| Dig Threonine, % | ||||
| Crude Fat (ether extract), % | 3.28 | 3.28 | 3.28 | 3.28 |
| Ca, % | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 |
| Non-phytate P, % | 0.58 | 0.58 | 0.58 | 0.58 |
1 Each kilogram of PV at a dietary inclusion of 0.078% or FV at a dietary inclusion of 0.05% supplied the following per kg of complete feed: vitamin A, 13,000 IU; cholecalciferol, 5850 IU; alpha-tocopherol, 84.5 IU; niacin, 78 mg; pantothenic acid, 23 mg; riboflavin, 8.5 mg; pyridoxine, 4.2 mg; menadione, 4 mg; folic acid, 2.5 mg; thiamin, 3.25 mg; biotin, 0.234 mg; vitamin B12, 0.02 mg; ethoxyquin. 2 Each kilogram of PM at a dietary inclusion of 0.092% or FM at a dietary inclusion of 0.06% supplied the following per kg of complete feed: 76 mg Zn as ZnO; 76 mg Mn as MnO; 44 mg Fe as FeSO4·H2O; 8.5 mg Cu as CuSO4; 0.85 mg I as Ca(IO3)2; 0.27 mg Se as Na2SeO3. 3 Each kilogram of PM at a dietary inclusion of 0.306% or FM at a dietary inclusion of 0.20% supplied the following per kg of complete feed: 251 mg Zn as ZnO; 252 mg Mn as MnO; 148 mg Fe as FeSO4·H2O; 30 mg Cu as CuSO4; 2.85 mg I as Ca(IO3)2; 0.88 mg Se as Na2SeO3.
Appendix B
Table A2.
Experimental diets fed to broiler breeders from 35 to 49 weeks of age.
| Ingredient | Experimental Treatments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI300 | FR300 | MI100 | FR100 | |
| -------------------- % of Diet -------------------- | ||||
| Corn | 66.25 | 66.35 | 66.35 | 66.35 |
| Soybean Meal (47.5% CP) | 17.80 | 17.80 | 17.80 | 17.80 |
| Limestone fine | 7.65 | 7.65 | 7.65 | 7.65 |
| Wheat Middlings | 6.24 | 6.24 | 6.24 | 6.24 |
| Poultry Fat | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 |
| Mono-Dicalcium Phosphate | 0.39 | 0.39 | 0.39 | 0.39 |
| Salt | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | 0.19 | 0.19 | 0.19 | 0.19 |
| DL-Methionine | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Choline Chloride (60%) | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.06 |
| Selenium Premix NCSU | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Quantum Blue Phytase 750 FTU | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| L-Threonine | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Protected Vitamin (PV) | 0.078 1 | 0 | 0.078 1 | 0 |
| Protected Mineral (PM) | 0.306 3 | 0 | 0.092 2 | 0 |
| Free Vitamin (FV) | 0 | 0.05 1 | 0 | 0.05 1 |
| Free Mineral (FM) | 0 | 0.20 3 | 0 | 0.06 2 |
| Palmitic Acid | 0 | 0.134 | 0.117 | 0.134 |
| Vermiculite | 0 | 0.0 | 0.097 | 0.140 |
| Total Ingredients | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| Calculated values: | ||||
| Metabolizable Energy, kcal/kg | 2800 | 2800 | 2800 | 2800 |
| Crude Protein, % | 14.4 | 14.4 | 14.4 | 14.4 |
| Dig Lysine, % | 0.62 | 0.62 | 0.62 | 0.62 |
| Dig Methionine + Cyst(e)ine, % | ||||
| Dig Threonine, % | ||||
| Crude Fat (ether extract), % | 3.28 | 3.28 | 3.28 | 3.28 |
| Ca, % | 3.05 | 3.05 | 3.05 | 3.05 |
| Non-phytate P, % | 0.58 | 0.58 | 0.58 | 0.58 |
1 Each kilogram of PV at a dietary inclusion of 0.078% or FV at a dietary inclusion of 0.05% supplied the following per kg of complete feed: vitamin A, 13,000 IU; cholecalciferol, 5850 IU; alpha-tocopherol, 84.5 IU; niacin, 78 mg; pantothenic acid, 23 mg; riboflavin, 8.5 mg; pyridoxine, 4.2 mg; menadione, 4 mg; folic acid, 2.5 mg; thiamin, 3.25 mg; biotin, 0.234 mg; vitamin B12, 0.02 mg; ethoxyquin. 2 Each kilogram of PM at a dietary inclusion of 0.092% or FM at a dietary inclusion of 0.06% supplied the following per kg of complete feed: 76 mg Zn as ZnO; 76 mg Mn as MnO; 44 mg Fe as FeSO4·H2O; 8.5 mg Cu as CuSO4; 0.85 mg I as Ca(IO3)2; 0.27 mg Se as Na2SeO3. 3 Each kilogram of PM at a dietary inclusion of 0.306% or FM at a dietary inclusion of 0.20% supplied the following per kg of complete feed: 251 mg Zn as ZnO; 252 mg Mn as MnO; 148 mg Fe as FeSO4·H2O; 30 mg Cu as CuSO4; 2.85 mg I as Ca(IO3)2; 0.88 mg Se as Na2SeO3.
Appendix C
Table A3.
Experimental diets fed to broiler breeders from 50 to 55 weeks of age.
| Ingredient | Experimental Treatments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI300 | FR300 | MI100 | FR100 | |
| -------------------- % of Diet -------------------- | ||||
| Corn | 67.17 | 67.17 | 67.17 | 67.17 |
| Soybean Meal (47.5% CP) | 17.97 | 17.97 | 17.97 | 17.97 |
| Limestone fine | 8.20 | 8.20 | 8.20 | 8.20 |
| Wheat Middlngs | 4.73 | 4.73 | 4.73 | 4.73 |
| Poultry Fat | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 |
| Mono-Dicalcium Phosphate | 0.37 | 0.37 | 0.37 | 0.37 |
| Salt | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | 0.19 | 0.19 | 0.19 | 0.19 |
| DL-Methionine | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Choline Chloride (60%) | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.06 |
| Selenium Premix NCSU | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Quantum Blue Phytase 750 FTU | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| L-Threonine | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Protected Vitamin (PV) | 0.078 1 | 0 | 0.078 1 | 0 |
| Protected Mineral (PM) | 0.306 3 | 0 | 0.092 2 | 0 |
| Free Vitamin (FV) | 0 | 0.05 1 | 0 | 0.05 1 |
| Free Mineral (FM) | 0 | 0.20 3 | 0 | 0.06 2 |
| Palmitic Acid | 0 | 0.134 | 0.117 | 0.134 |
| Vermiculite | 0 | 0.0 | 0.097 | 0.140 |
| Total Ingredients | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| Calculated values: | ||||
| Metabolizable Energy, kcal/kg | 2800 | 2800 | 2800 | 2800 |
| Crude Protein, % | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Dig Lysine, % | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 |
| Dig Methionine + Cyst(e)ine, % | ||||
| Dig Threonine, % | ||||
| Crude Fat (ether extract), % | 3.28 | 3.28 | 3.28 | 3.28 |
| Ca, % | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 |
| Non-phytate P, % | 0.58 | 0.58 | 0.58 | 0.58 |
1 Each kilogram of PV at a dietary inclusion of 0.078% or FV at a dietary inclusion of 0.05% supplied the following per kg of complete feed: vitamin A, 13,000 IU; cholecalciferol, 5850 IU; alpha-tocopherol, 84.5 IU; niacin, 78 mg; pantothenic acid, 23 mg; riboflavin, 8.5 mg; pyridoxine, 4.2 mg; menadione, 4 mg; folic acid, 2.5 mg; thiamin, 3.25 mg; biotin, 0.234 mg; vitamin B12, 0.02 mg; ethoxyquin. 2 Each kilogram of PM at a dietary inclusion of 0.092% or FM at a dietary inclusion of 0.06% supplied the following per kg of complete feed: 76 mg Zn as ZnO; 76 mg Mn as MnO; 44 mg Fe as FeSO4·H2O; 8.5 mg Cu as CuSO4; 0.85 mg I as Ca(IO3)2; 0.27 mg Se as Na2SeO3. 3 Each kilogram of PM at a dietary inclusion of 0.306% or FM at a dietary inclusion of 0.20% supplied the following per kg of complete feed: 251 mg Zn as ZnO; 252 mg Mn as MnO; 148 mg Fe as FeSO4·H2O; 30 mg Cu as CuSO4; 2.85 mg I as Ca(IO3)2; 0.88 mg Se as Na2SeO3.
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Table 1.
Internal egg quality from 28–55 weeks of life from broiler breeders fed diets supplemented with free (FR) or lipid-microencapsulated (MI) premixes at 100% and 300% of Ross 708 TM recommendations 1.
Table 1.
Internal egg quality from 28–55 weeks of life from broiler breeders fed diets supplemented with free (FR) or lipid-microencapsulated (MI) premixes at 100% and 300% of Ross 708 TM recommendations 1.
| Egg Quality Parameter 1 | Vitelline Membrane Strength (g) | Vitelline Membrane Elasticity (mm) | Shell Strength (g) | Shell Elasticity (mm) | Egg Weight (g) | Haugh Unit | Yolk Color | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM Form | ||||||||
| MI | 1.92 A | 2.28 | 3604.26 | 0.240 | 63.19 | 84.89 | 8.82 | |
| FR | 1.81 B | 2.16 | 3680.63 | 0.232 | 63.92 | 83.55 | 8.68 | |
| SEM | 0.0362 | 0.0933 | 49.25 | 0.0074 | 0.3580 | 0.5292 | 0.0751 | |
| TM Dose | ||||||||
| 100% | 1.86 | 2.21 | 3584.27 | 0.224 B | 63.13 | 84.29 | 8.62 B | |
| 300% | 1.87 | 2.23 | 3700.62 | 0.247 A | 63.98 | 84.15 | 8.89 A | |
| SEM | 0.0362 | 0.0933 | 49.25 | 0.0074 | 0.3580 | 0.5292 | 0.0751 | |
| Form | Dose | |||||||
| MI | 300% | 1.88 | 2.19 | 3719.24 | 0.251 | 63.12 | 85.29 | 9.04 |
| FR | 300% | 1.86 | 2.27 | 3682.01 | 0.244 | 64.83 | 83.01 | 8.73 |
| MI | 100% | 1.95 | 2.37 | 3489.29 | 0.230 | 63.26 | 84.50 | 8.59 |
| FR | 100% | 1.76 | 2.27 | 3679.25 | 0.220 | 63.00 | 84.09 | 8.64 |
| SEM | 0.0512 | 0.1302 | 69.65 | 0.0105 | 0.5063 | 0.7785 | 0.1062 | |
| Source of Variation | p-value | |||||||
| Form | 0.0488 | 0.3602 | 0.2735 | 0.4146 | 0.1521 | 0.0734 | 0.2067 | |
| Dose | 0.7942 | 0.8975 | 0.0956 | 0.0312 | 0.0970 | 0.8504 | 0.0104 | |
| FormXDose | 0.0951 | 0.1360 | 0.1036 | 0.9004 | 0.0520 | 0.2128 | 0.0897 | |
| CV% | 28.53 | 61.81 | 19.31 | 45.20 | 8.28 | 9.24 | 12.61 | |
1 Egg quality parameters were obtained from a sample of 12 eggs from each of the 3 replicate pens per treatment. These samples were analyzed overall as there were no consistent differences in sampling points at 28, 34, 38, 41, 49, and 55 weeks of life. A,B Denotes statistical differences between the means.
Table 2.
Mineral content of whole eggs from broiler breeders fed diets supplemented with free (FR) or lipid-microencapsulated (MI) premixes at 100% and 300% of Ross 708 TM recommendations 1.
Table 2.
Mineral content of whole eggs from broiler breeders fed diets supplemented with free (FR) or lipid-microencapsulated (MI) premixes at 100% and 300% of Ross 708 TM recommendations 1.
| Mineral Analyzed 1 | Ca | P | Cu | Fe | Mn | Zn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mg/g | |||||||
| TM Form | |||||||
| MI | 34.03 | 120.69 | 0.0156 | 1.45 | 0.0263 | 0.962 | |
| FR | 33.56 | 118.95 | 0.0178 | 1.48 | 0.0287 | 0.983 | |
| SEM | 1.29 | 4.44 | 0.00186 | 0.0599 | 0.00139 | 0.0358 | |
| TM Dose | |||||||
| 100% | 33.17 | 117.97 | 0.0171 | 1.44 | 0.0248 B | 0.922 | |
| 300% | 34.41 | 121.68 | 0.0163 | 1.48 | 0.0301 A | 1.022 | |
| SEM | 1.29 | 4.44 | 0.00186 | 0.0599 | 0.00139 | 0.0358 | |
| Form | Dose | ||||||
| MI | 300% | 33.75 | 119.56 | 0.0141 | 1.44 | 0.0285 | 0.984 |
| FR | 300% | 35.07 | 123.80 | 0.0184 | 1.54 | 0.0319 | 1.060 |
| MI | 100% | 34.30 | 121.83 | 0.0171 | 1.46 | 0.0242 | 0.940 |
| FR | 100% | 32.05 | 114.11 | 0.0172 | 1.43 | 0.0254 | 0.906 |
| SEM | 1.83 | 6.28 | 0.00263 | 0.0847 | 0.00196 | 0.0506 | |
| Source of Variation | p-value | ||||||
| Form | 0.7986 | 0.7824 | 0.3960 | 0.6591 | 0.2426 | 0.6798 | |
| Dose | 0.5007 | 0.5560 | 0.7413 | 0.6013 | 0.0072 | 0.0524 | |
| FormXDose | 0.3309 | 0.3433 | 0.4291 | 0.4571 | 0.5581 | 0.2818 | |
| CV% | 27.64 | 26.72 | 80.17 | 29.49 | 36.41 | 26.56 | |
1 Mineral content of the eggs was obtained from a pooled sample of 12 eggs from each of the 3 replicate pens per treatment. These samples were analyzed overall as there were no consistent differences between sampling points at 28, 34, 38, 41, 49, and 55 weeks of life. A,B Denotes statistical differences between the means.
Table 3.
Mineral content of eggshells from broiler breeders at 38 weeks of life fed diets supplemented with free (FR) or lipid-microencapsulated (MI) premixes at 100% and 300% of Ross 708 TM recommendations.
Table 3.
Mineral content of eggshells from broiler breeders at 38 weeks of life fed diets supplemented with free (FR) or lipid-microencapsulated (MI) premixes at 100% and 300% of Ross 708 TM recommendations.
| Shell Mineral Composition | Ca | P | Cu | Fe | Mn | Zn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mg/g | |||||||
| TM Form 1 | |||||||
| MI | 353.6020 | 1.2433 | 0.0010 | 0.0148 | 0.0024 | 0.0029 | |
| FR | 344.4340 | 1.1600 | 0.0014 | 0.0162 | 0.0030 | 0.0047 | |
| SEM | 7.83 | 0.0687 | 0.000240 | 0.00124 | 0.00435 | 0.000783 | |
| TM Dose 2 | |||||||
| 100% | 349.5640 | 1.1980 | 0.0010 | 0.0150 | 0.0021 | 0.0034 | |
| 300% | 349.3270 | 1.2117 | 0.0013 | 0.0158 | 0.0032 | 0.0040 | |
| SEM | 7.83 | 0.0687 | 0.000240 | 0.00124 | 0.00435 | 0.000783 | |
| Treatment 3 | Dose | ||||||
| MI | 300% | 356.0833 | 1.2233 | 0.0012 | 0.0159 | 0.0033 | 0.0038 |
| FR | 300% | 342.5700 | 1.2000 | 0.0014 | 0.0157 | 0.0031 | 0.0041 |
| MI | 100% | 351.1200 | 1.2633 | 0.0008 | 0.0136 | 0.0015 | 0.0019 |
| FR | 100% | 347.2300 | 1.1000 | 0.0013 | 0.0170 | 0.0030 | 0.0055 |
| SEM | 9.91 | 1.22 | 0.000833 | 0.00176 | 0.000615 | 0.00111 | |
| Source of Variation | p-value | ||||||
| Form | 0.4351 | 0.3951 | 0.4095 | 0.4217 | 0.395 | 0.1437 | |
| Dose | 0.9889 | 0.7793 | 0.511 | 0.7974 | 0.1925 | 0.8482 | |
| FormXDose | 0.661 | 0.5187 | 0.6902 | 0.3774 | 0.2469 | 0.2069 | |
| CV% | 4.91 | 13.96 | 49.92 | 19.84 | 39.61 | 52.09 | |
1 Premix form main effect means are averages of 12 eggs sampled from each of the 3 replicate pens per treatment containing 9 hens and 2 roosters. 2 Trace mineral supplementation dose main effect means are averages of 12 eggs sampled from each of the 3 replicate pens per treatment containing 9 hens and 2 roosters. 3 Treatment means are averages of 6 eggs sampled from each of the 3 replicate pens per treatment containing 9 hens and 2 roosters.
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Malheiros, D.M.; Malheiros, R.D.; Anderson, K.E.; Ferket, P.R. Broiler Breeders Fed Diets Supplemented with Conventional or Lipid Matrix Microencapsulated Trace Minerals at Standard or High Levels: Part II—Influence on Hatching Egg Quality. Poultry 2025, 4, 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry4020018
AMA Style
Malheiros DM, Malheiros RD, Anderson KE, Ferket PR. Broiler Breeders Fed Diets Supplemented with Conventional or Lipid Matrix Microencapsulated Trace Minerals at Standard or High Levels: Part II—Influence on Hatching Egg Quality. Poultry. 2025; 4(2):18. https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry4020018
Chicago/Turabian StyleMalheiros, Dimitri M., Ramon D. Malheiros, Kenneth E. Anderson, and Peter R. Ferket. 2025. "Broiler Breeders Fed Diets Supplemented with Conventional or Lipid Matrix Microencapsulated Trace Minerals at Standard or High Levels: Part II—Influence on Hatching Egg Quality" Poultry 4, no. 2: 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry4020018
APA StyleMalheiros, D. M., Malheiros, R. D., Anderson, K. E., & Ferket, P. R. (2025). Broiler Breeders Fed Diets Supplemented with Conventional or Lipid Matrix Microencapsulated Trace Minerals at Standard or High Levels: Part II—Influence on Hatching Egg Quality. Poultry, 4(2), 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry4020018
