Lead Applicant: Elijah Kiarie
Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare Projects
Program Type: Tier 1
Funding Cycle: 2022/2023
Research Centre: Ontario Poultry Research Centre - Arkell
Research Summary: Alternative production strategies are the focus of actions to reduce antibiotic use and the environmental impact of animal operations. Chick quality is a major factor determining broiler chicken livability and growth performance through to slaughter. Trace minerals in the skeleton at hatch play a crucial role in setting the young chick up for a healthy and productive life. This research will investigate the impact of highly bioavailable hydroxy chloride copper, zinc and manganese on the lifetime reproductive performance of broiler breeders and the subsequent impact on progeny growth performance and skeletal development.