Dried poultry manure from batteries ( DPM) was included at 0,0, 11,6, 23,5 and 35,4% in sheep finishing rations. An increase in the DPM content of rations caused substantial increase in the concentrations of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in the rations. Reductions in liver Cu and Zn retention were observed with increased DPM intakes, and the Cu content of the livers remained practically constant. The high intake of minerals antagonistic to Cu and Zn metabolism in the body and present in poultry manure at high levels, probably decreased the availability of Cu and Zn to the body with increased DPM intakes. Homeostatic control mechanisms may also have contributed to the reduced availability of Zn in the body. Although DPM substantially increased Fe intakes, there was little change in the retention of Fe in the livers. Homeostatic mechanisms controlling Fe absorption were probably responsible for this lack of response to Fe intake.