INTERVIEW 56 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2024 compared to inorganic sources and even 1.4% compared to other organic mineral sources. Also in a commercial trial, we observed higher hatchability (as seen with the MINTREX® Trace Mineral Reduce and Replace™ strategy). Therefore, with more eggs and better hatchability, we increased the number of chicks per housed hen. What should be considered in the diet of breeder flocks in terms of the quality of hatching eggs and the quality of roosters’ semen? Dr. Edgar Oviedo at North Carolina State University and I deeply described broiler male management and nutrition in our chapter from NOVUS’ book, Breeder Management and Nutrition: Moving the industry forward. In the chapter we explain the importance photoperiod, diet and vitamin and trace mineral nutrition play in the performance of males. We also know males require lower crude protein and amino acids than females, but we still observe that, due to logistics on the farm, not everybody utilizes male-specific diets. Could you also tell us a little about the effect of amino acids and trace elements on breeder fertility and chick development? Amino acids have a direct effect on egg quality, feathering and male fertility. In nutrition, we typically set the lysine recommendation and then work with amino acid ratios with lysine. For example, excessive lysine and leucine might have some detrimental effects due to changes in reproductive tract pH. NRC (1994) and some researchers recommend high leucine/lysine (Ile/Lys) ratios compared with data from Europe; this might have an effect on fertility. Recent data shows that lowering lysine but increasing amino acid/lysine rations might increase feathering issues that we know could decrease female mating receptivity. Where trace minerals are concerned, research shows certain highly bioavailable organic trace minerals (MINTREX® Bis-Chelated Trace Minerals) are shown to increase egg production, fertility and hatchability, ultimately increasing the number of chicks per housed hen. Finally, is there anything else you would like to draw attention to? It is very interesting that not all regions report the same extent of the problems with hatchability as reported in the U.S. Although some data is corrected by hen age, some data for total chicks per housed hen might not be adjusted at the same age. Additionally, we need fertility data and egg production to have a better description of the current situation. With better, more descriptive data we may be able to determine the root of the problem. Roque et. al, Front. Physiol. 2022
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==