New study confirms positive benefits of Alltech's Bioplex® in layer production

October 20, 2023 - Backed by more than 40 years of scientific research, Alltech is dedicated to providing solutions and products that contribute to the success of the global animal health industry. This commitment continues with the publication of a new study, 'The Effect of Organic Trace Mineral Supplementation in the Form of Proteinates on Performance and Sustainability Parameters in Laying Hens: A Meta-Analysis,' recently published in the journal Animals. Results show that the inclusion of Bioplex® organic trace minerals in layer diets significantly benefits production performance and egg quality traits and contributes to a lower carbon footprint. The findings also suggest that the most bioavailable form of essential minerals is crucial for optimising health and performance in laying hens.

The meta-analysis, led by Dr Laurann Byrne, research project manager at the Alltech European Bioscience Centre, considered the importance of mineral form on production performance, egg quality traits and carbon footprint. It combined data from 32 global studies involving 107 dietary assessments of 30,992 laying hens.

Dr Byrne looked at the impact of supplementing laying hen diets with organic trace minerals in the form of mineral proteinates, specifically Bioplex copper, iron, manganese and zinc. The study demonstrated that using Bioplex led to improvements in hen-day production, feed conversion ratio, egg mass, egg weight and egg loss. Eggshell parameters such as thickness, strength, weight and eggshell percentage also were improved.

A life-cycle assessment model - the Alltech E-CO₂ Poultry EA - was used to evaluate the carbon footprint of egg production. Results showed a reduction in feed and total emission intensifies per kilogram of eggs when using organic trace mineral proteinates. The inclusion of Bioplex® in layer diets resulted in a 1.65 percent reduction of the carbon footprint for every dozen eggs produced (feed emission intensity per dozen eggs).

"With correct formulation, more cost-effective feeds can be produced, resulting in a greater return on investment and a lower carbon footprint," Dr Byrne said. "As the results show, there is a proven track record of improvement in performance and sustainability with organic trace minerals."

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