EFFECTS OF DIETARY MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE AND MINERAL RETENTIONS OF BROILERS AT HIGH AMBIENT-TEMPERATURES

1. The relationship between broiler performance and two dietary minera l balance equations was investigated at a high constant ambient temper ature (30 degrees C) using a range of 11 salt supplements given to mal e broiler chicks from 21 to 42 d of age. 2. No relationship was found between broiler performance and either of the two balance equations. 3 . Re-evaluating these equations using retained, rather than dietary, m ineral concentrations did not improve the relationship although change s in mineral retentions associated with the supplements indicated that dietary concentrations were not a good indicator of the impact of the diet on the bird's acid-base homoeostasis. 4. Evidence was found that metabolisable anions supplemented in association with mineral cations may have a significant effect on broiler performance.