Biological availability of manganese from several inorganic sources in Fayoumi chicks

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted using 180 one day old Fayoumi chicks to investigate the biological availability of Mn from different sources. Mn sources [Sulfate and Carbonate] were added to commercial diet [concentrate-yellow corn and soyabean meal] at levels of 60 and 100 ppm. Potassium permenganate was used as a Mn source added at level of 60 ppm on drinking water. Body weight development, average body weight gain and food conversion efficiency were calculated throughout 35-days experimental period. Bone measurements, such as tibial ash percentage, tibial Mn concentration and bone abnormality score were recorded. Best body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were achieved by the group of chicks receiving potassium permenganate, while the basal group showed the lowest values for such parameters. Mn supplementation from different sources at both levels [60 and 100 ppm] had increased significantly p< 0.05, tibial ash% and tibial Mn concentration as compared by the group which received the basal level [15 ppm]. The highest tibial Mn concentration was noted in potassium permenganate group, while the lowest was recorded in the group receiving manganese carbonate as Mn supplemental source. Potassium permenganate and manganese sulfate groups demonstrated lowest bone abnormality scores. Results indicated that potassium permenganate was highly available source followed by manganese sulfate, while manganese carbonate showed the lowest availability based on bone Mn concentration and leg lesion score