Mineral Retention in Young Broiler Chicks Fed Diets Based on Wheat, Sorghum or Maize

The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in mineral retention of broiler chicks fed diets based on wheat, sorghum or maize during the first two weeks post-hatch. The retention of five major minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and magnesium) and four trace minerals (iron, manganese, zinc and copper) was determined on days 3, 5, 7, 9 and 14 of age. The retention coefficients of individual minerals differed widely and the retention coefficients of major minerals were found to be considerably higher than those of trace minerals. Age effects were significant (p