Numerous studies
(Bar and Hurwitz, 1984; Gordon and Roland, 1998;
Valkonen et al., 2010; Neijat et al., 2011) have concentrated
on the effects of macrominerals (calcium and
phosphorus) and vitamin D3 on eggshell and bone quality.
It is well known that macrominerals act as eggshell
structural components and play essential roles in eggshell
function. However, the relationship between trace
elements and eggshell quality still awaits further study.
Manganese, for example, is an important trace element
in poultry nutrition and was first reported to prevent
perosis in young broilers (Wilgus et al., 1936).