Optimizing Broiler Performance and Carcass Quality: NOVUS at JRA 2026
TOURS, FRANCE (19 February 2026) – NOVUS is presenting research on the availability and efficacy of organic trace minerals in broiler diets at the 16èmes Journées de la Recherche Avicole et Palmipèdes à Foie Gras (JRA 2026), 18-19 March in Tours, France. The research highlights the importance of trace mineral source and nutritional strategy in supporting broiler performance, skeletal integrity, and carcass quality.
“In a market where processors and integrators are under increasing pressure to reduce defects, support animal welfare, and control production costs, these findings show how targeted nutrition can contribute to stronger skeletal integrity and fewer processing downgrades, while aligning with efficiency and sustainability objectives across the supply chain,” says Senior Technical Services Manager Mireille Huard, who will present the research at JRA 2026.
The first poster, “Résumé scientifique – Le manganèse dans la nutrition des poulets de chair : revue bibliographique,” examines manganese (Mn) in broiler nutrition, demonstrating that the mineral plays a critical role in normal bone development, metabolic pathways, antioxidant systems, immune organ function, and meat quality.
“Because manganese content and availability are often limited in conventional poultry diets, supplementation is widely used,” Huard says. “Our review shows that manganese supplementation is associated with greater tibial strength and bone density, particularly during early growth phases, as well as support for key antioxidant enzymes, but mineral source matters.”
She says adequate Mn status is also linked with enhanced immune system development and favorable meat quality attributes, including meat color stability and lipid metabolism.
The analysis from NOVUS shows that bis-chelated Mn (as MINTREX® Bis-Chelated Trace Minerals) is more bioavailable than inorganic forms, and is associated with stronger skeletal outcomes, reduced leg lesions, and improved oxidative stability of meat during storage.
A second poster titled, “Impact de niveaux et de formes d’oligo-éléments organiques et de vitamines sur les performances et les caractéristiques de la carcassedes poulets de chair,” features the results of a large-scale commercial field study, where optimized levels and forms of organic trace minerals and vitamins were evaluated for their impact on broiler performance and carcass characteristics.
The trial involved 150,000 Ross broilers, comparing a premix containing bis-chelated zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), organic selenium, and selected vitamins with a standard premix based on inorganic minerals. Broilers receiving the optimized bis-chelated premix saw higher average live weight (+117 g) and a lower standardized feed conversion ratio (to 2.8kg/-0.038 pt) at market age. At processing, carcasses from this group exhibited markedly fewer external defects, with the incidence of hematomas and fractures reduced by approximately two-fold, depending on location. Cut-up parts such as wings and fillets also showed a higher proportion of defect-free scores (up to +35 percentage points of score 0), indicating more consistent carcass quality.
The findings of both studies reinforce industry wisdom: organic trace minerals, particularly in the bis-chelated form, are more available to poultry than inorganic sources and therefore more impactful in the ration.
“If optimized live performance and processing yield are important parameters, these results suggest favorable technical and economic outcomes for those prioritizing bis-chelated trace mineral use,” Huard says.
Huard’s posters will be available to view throughout the two-day event.
The biennial event, hosted by French institute of aviculture (ITAVI) , National Institute of research in Agriculture and Environment (INRAE) and supported by French branch of WPSA France and of the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA), aims to provide innovative solutions to support the French poultry industry in an environment that promotes exchanges between researchers and professionals in the sector. For more information, visit evenements.itavi.asso.fr.
NOVUS is the leader in intelligent nutrition. Through scientific research, technical expertise, and collaboration with producers and nutritionists worldwide, NOVUS helps broilers meet their growth potential.
