As we better understand birds’ trace mineral needs and enhance our use of natural minerals in feed ingredients, a single, effective supplementation source becomes sufficient. Zinpro Sole Source embodies this approach, driving productivity, sustainability and cost efficiency.
Times are changing. The chicken’s microbiome has evolved, and we now have more scientific data on the trace mineral requirements of modern genetics, the competitive uptake mechanisms of different mineral sources and the mineral content already present in basal diets.
Notably, the use of phytase in poultry nutrition has unlocked numerous nutrients from raw materials, including valuable trace minerals. Yet, until now, these intrinsic trace minerals have often been overlooked, with supplementation levels rarely adjusted to account for what is already available in the feed.
Going For a Single Source
With our growing understanding of trace mineral nutrition and the impact of super dosing (efficient) phytase in poultry diets, it is time to reassess trace mineral supplementation within this new context. The key question is: can we meet the nutritional requirements of modern broilers with less supplementation? The answer is yes. And if we use less, which source will deliver the greatest impact?
In current practice, most supplementation programs still rely heavily on inorganic trace minerals. Over time, some producers have transitioned toward organic sources with superior metabolic availability and more bioavailable organic sources, typically by adding a percentage of organic minerals ‘on top’ of an existing inorganic premix.
However, in today’s context, why not simplify and rely on a single source with superior metabolic availability? Organic minerals offer the advantage of avoiding competition with other nutrients for absorption pathways, a common limitation of inorganic sources. This understanding has led to a new strategy for optimal return: Zinpro Sole Source.
What is Zinpro Sole Source for Poultry?
Zinpro Sole Source is a comprehensive organic mineral program, designed to optimize trace mineral utilization by making the minerals naturally present in raw materials (and bound to phytate) more available to the bird. This approach allows us to fine-tune mineral supplementation because the improved metabolic availability from these minerals is sufficient to meet the bird’s requirements.
Research shows that adding Zinpro® Performance Minerals® on top of this optimized base further maximizes growth performance. This approach ensures that birds still absorb essential minerals through the traditional inorganic pathways, such as metal ion transporters and the paracellular route, while also leveraging an additional, highly efficient absorption route: the amino acid pathway.
Zinpro Performance Minerals are uniquely absorbed through this amino acid pathway, which reduces competition for inorganic transporters and enhances overall mineral utilization. By combining these complementary mechanisms, Zinpro Sole Source delivers superior nutrient efficiency, improved bird performance and supports sustainability by minimizing excess minerals in the gut and the environment.
Proven Data for Zinpro Sole Source
Over the last several years, Zinpro has gathered all the foundational data around a full organic mineral program (Zinpro Sole Source) for layers, broilers and breeders worldwide. This scientific work confirmed that we can achieve equivalent or improved benefits for producers, poultry and their wellbeing. Some of the recent trials showed that:
- Zinpro Sole Source improved performance and breast yield compared with a control diet consisting of 100% inorganic Zinc (Zn) (90 ppm Zn from ZnSO4).
- Zinpro Sole Source also improved performance and carcass yield compared with a control diet having a combination of 60 ppm Inorganic Zn + 40 ppm Zn as Zinpro® Availa® Zn (‘on top’).
Polishing Diets to Perfection
The route to trace mineral refinement is what drives us at Zinpro. In 2023, we consolidated the numerous research studies conducted across diverse poultry species and regions into the Zinpro Global Poultry Mineral Guide. This comprehensive guide compiles trace mineral recommendations to support more precise supplementation strategies, address regional and species-specific challenges and promote productivity, sustainability and profitability in poultry production.
Importantly, this guide is a dynamic document and will be updated when needed with the latest insights and research findings, all aimed to make trace mineral supplementation as targeted and cost effective as possible. Zinpro Sole Source, our latest insight, is now a crucial part of our mineral recommendations as it aligns with the evolving needs of the global poultry industry, where nutrition programs increasingly emphasize sustainability, bird wellbeing and food safety.
Broiler nutrition, much like a rough diamond, continues to offer opportunities for refinement, and that’s precisely what we achieve with Zinpro Sole Source.
FAQ
Zinpro Sole Source for Productivity, Sustainability and Economic Return. To learn more, and how this translated to your formulation practices, contact a Zinpro representative today.
