Abstract
The goal of this research was to evaluate egg quality and performance of laying hens at the second laying cycle, fed with minerals from an organic source. The control treatment consisted of basal diet with inorganic trace minerals, whereas the other treatments consisted of organic copper, iron, manganese, and zinc at levels of 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70%. Physical and chemical analyses were performed to evaluate egg quality. The average egg weight reduced in the test diet; however, egg mass, as well as the other performance variables evaluated, did not suffer influence of treatments. The percentage of egg protein decreased; however, mineral matter content and egg shell increased with the use of organic minerals, as well as an improvement in the egg quality parameters occurred. The supplementation with organic trace mineral source of the diet of laying hens did not compromise internal egg quality. The total replacement of inorganic sources for levels of organic minerals in the diet of birds provided maintenance on the performance and improved shell quality.
Keywords:
chelated minerals; egg production; eggshell quality