Trace mineral nutrition has a rich history of discovery and research in the field of poultry nutrition. Nutrient requirements were established for each species of poultry and functions of those nutrients - trace minerals were also researched and reported. Trace minerals role in immune function and related physiological roles have been studied. The complexity of trace mineral nutrition requires a thorough review of functions, interactions and availability of sources from time to time by the poultry producer/nutritionist. Trace mineral premixes should be formulated and supplemented to poultry feeds separate from the vitamin premix due to potential vitamin oxidation by the trace minerals. Trace minerals have a very important role to play in the mechanism of nutrient circulation in the animal organism. Deficiency or imbalance of any of these vital micronutrients results in deficiency disease, metabolic disorders, poor growth rate, low egg production, low hatchability and low feed efficiency.
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