Theses and Dissertations
Advisor
Adhikari, Pratima
Committee Member
Boltz, Timothy
Committee Member
Oxford, Jarred
Date of Degree
8-12-2026
Original embargo terms
Embargo 2 years
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Agriculture (Poultry Science)
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Department
Department of Poultry Science
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of strategic inclusion of organic trace minerals (OTM) on nutrient utilization, production performance, egg quality, and skeletal characteristics in Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens during the pullet and peak laying phases. A literature review was written to compare the bioavailability and physiological effects of inorganic trace minerals (ITM) and OTM in poultry nutrition. During the pullet phase, the dietary inclusion of OTMs maintained growth performance, body composition, and skeletal development compared with ITM supplementation. During the peak laying phase, trace mineral source influenced feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight, yolk weight, eggshell translucency, and production variables. Egg quality characteristics, body weight gain (BWG), and keel scores were largely unaffected by dietary treatment. Overall, strategic inclusion of OTMs maintained performance and body composition during rearing and improved feed efficiency during peak lay.
Sponsorship (Optional)
Cargill Inc, Novus International
Recommended Citation
Wallace, Ruth Larryn, "Effects of dietary organic versus inorganic zinc, copper, and manganese on productivity, egg quality, and skeletal integrity in pullet and laying hens" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 7115.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/7115
