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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 November 2017
Turkeys can have a high incidence of leg problems and leg-related mortality can exceed 1% per week starting at approximately 15 weeks of age. Development of bone and connective tissue is dependent on a number of factors including the availability of trace minerals. These minerals are essential for the function of the metalloenzymes involved in the synthesis of structural connective tissue and bone. For example Zn and Cu are required for the synthesis and crosslinking of collagen respectively. Vitamin D and its metabolites also play important roles in bone development, as deficiencies can lead to a failure of mineralization, leg weakness and rickets. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of partially replacing inorganic sources of Zn, Cu, Mn and Se in the diet of growing turkeys with an organic trace mineral source, Mintrex®PSe, in the presence or absence of 25-hydroxy D3, on growth performance, leg abnormalities and bone strength.