Optimal Level of Supplemental Manganese for Yellow-Feathered Broilers during the Growth Phase

Abstract

This experiment investigated the effect of an optimized supplemental dietary manganese (Mn) on growth performance, tibial characteristics, immune function and meat quality, of yellow-feathered broilers. In three rearing periods, birds were fed for 21-d periods, from d 1 (starter), d 22 (grower) and d 43 (finisher), respectively, with basal diets (containing 16, 17, and 14 mg/kg analyzed Mn, respectively) supplemented with 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 mg/kg Mn. For starter phase broilers, supplemental manganese affected feed to gain ratio (F/G), and the minimum value was observed with 120 mg/kg manganese. During the grower phase, ADG increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with supplemental Mn and was maximal with 54 mg/kg additional manganese estimated using the regression equation. There was no influence of supplemental manganese on growth performance of broilers during the finisher phase (p > 0.05). The thymic relative weight of broilers were linearly (p < 0.05) and quadratically (p < 0.05) increased with supplemental Mn and maxima were obtained with 95 and 110 mg/kg additional Mn at 42 d and 63 d. The bone density of the tibia in broilers at d 21, 42 and 63 were increased quadratically (p < 0.05) by supplemental Mn, and optimal supplementation for the three phases was 52, 60 and 68 mg/kg, respectively. The weight, diameter, breaking strength and bone density of the tibia of 63-d broilers were influenced (p < 0.05) by supplemental manganese. The lightness (L*) value (linear, p < 0.05) and yellowness (b*) value (p < 0.05) of the breast muscle were decreased by dietary manganese supplementation, and the optimal supplementation, based on L*, was 86 mg/kg. In conclusion, supplemental Mn affected the growth performance, thymic relative weight, tibial characteristics, and the meat color of yellow-feathered broilers. From the quadratic regressions, the optimal supplementation of yellow-feathered broilers at the starter, grower and finisher phases to achieve the best performance was 52, 60, and 68 mg/kg, respectively.

Effects of Manganese Hydroxychloride on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Tibia Parameters and Manganese Deposition of Broilers

“…The length, weight, diameter, breaking strength, or density index of tibia are usual parameters to be used for evaluating development of tibia. Studies reported that dietary supplementation of Mn as MnSO 4 , MnCO 3 , and MnO could increase the length, weight, diameter, breaking strength, and density index of tibia in broilers [ 42 , 43 , 44 ], reduce the incidence of leg abnormalities [ 25 , 32 ]. However, Bozkurt et al [ 37 ] reported that dietary supplementation of Mn as Mn-methionine and MnO with levels 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg has no effect on the weight, length, diameter, and density index of tibia in broilers.…”

Manganese–methionine chelate improves antioxidant activity, immune system and egg manganese enrichment in the aged laying hens

“…In experiments with late-phase laying hens of 80 weeks of age, Nascimento et al (2014) found improvement in eggshell quality in birds fed diets supplemented with vitamin D3. Wang et al (2021) also observed an increase in the thickness of the eggshell when laying hens housed at a high density were supplemented with 25-OH-D3.…”

“…Wang et al. ( 2021 ) also observed an increase in the thickness of the eggshell when laying hens housed at a high density were supplemented with 25‐OH‐D3.…”

“…Trace minerals (TMs) are biologically known as important micronutrients in the laying hen nutrition, which regulate metabolism and have a great effect on poultry performance and health (Sun et al., 2010 ; Yenice et al., 2015 ). Manganese (Mn) is among the most abundant metals in the earth and an essential trace element (Gandhi et al., 2022 ), which is necessary for the normal activity and growth of the body tissues such as bone, as well as improving immune organ weight and performance (Wang et al., 2021 ). This element acts as an activator and cofactor for superoxide dismutase (SOD), transferases, hydrolases and lyases (Bagga and Patel, 2012 ) and also plays a role in regulating macromolecule metabolism (carbohydrate, lipid and protein) (Li & Yang, 2018 ; Barrioni et al., 2019 ).…”

Heat Stress Affects Jejunal Immunity of Yellow-Feathered Broilers and Is Potentially Mediated by the Microbiome

“…There is an increasing pursuit of flavor in the huge chicken consumer market in China and almost half of Chinese chicken meat is from locally yellow-feathered broilers because of their good meat quality ( Gou et al, 2016 ). South China is the major production area for yellow-feathered broilers ( Wang Y. et al, 2021 ). However, South China is in tropical and subtropical regions, and heat stress (HS) has become a great challenge for yellow-feathered broiler production ( Liu et al, 2019 ).…”