The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of source of protein in the diet of broilers on the pattern of mineral utilization. Day-old multicolored broiler chicks were distributed into 12 groups of 10 chicks each and allotted equally to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The chicks were reared up to 6 weeks of age, and fed diets based on three different diets varying in source of protein viz., soybean (D1), fish meal (D2) and meat-cum-bone meal (MBM; D3). After 17 (starter phase) and 38 (finisher phase) days of experimental feeding, retention study of 4-d durations were conducted to determine the retention of minerals. During starter phase, the retention of calcium and copper was significantly (P<0.05) higher in D3 diet. On the other hand, the retention of manganese and phosphorus were significantly (P<0.05) higher in D1 diet. During finishing phase, no significant difference was observed in calcium and manganese utilization among the dietary treatments. The retention of copper, however was significantly (P<0.05) higher in MBM (D3) based diet. On the contrary, the phosphorus utilization was markedly (P<0.05) higher in D1 and D2 treatments. It is concluded that dietary formulations based on animal protein supplements such as fish meal and meat-cum-bone meal could minimize the excreta load of copper to a greater extent thereby averting the threat of possible environmental pollution.