Medycyna Wet. 63 (4), 432-434, 2007
Demirel R., Baran M. S., Bilal T., Çevrim U. |
Effects of different calcium levels on broiler performance and tibia bone parameters |
The aim of this research was to investigate the addition of Calcium source (marble powder) of up to 1.2, 1.4, 1.6% levels on growth performance, feed intake, some organ weights and tibia ash parameters in broiler diets. This research was conducted according to Randomized Plots Design by using 3 groups with 3 replicates between 12 May - 23 June in Çarýklý region of Diyarbakýr. The experiment was conducted on 126 day-old equally sexed Ross 308 broiler chicks. Three diets used as 3 treatments were included (1.2, 1.4 and 1.6% Ca levels) in broiler the diets. Three replicates with 14 equally sexed birds were arranged in each plot. The experiment was started from 7-days-of-age to slaughter weight. The first group was a control and contained 1.2% Ca levels; marble flour was added to the control diet as a Ca source and the Ca levels 1.4 and 1.6% for the 2nd and 3rd groups, respectively. At the end of the trial, data were analysed by MSTAT C program, and means were examined by DUNCANs multiple test. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for all investigated parameters (Live weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass parameters and some organ weights) using Ca doses (P > 0.05). However, crude ash and calcium contents of diets were increased by additional Ca levels (P < 0.01), but phosphorus content of diets were decreased by the addition of a calcium source. The results of this study have shown that there is no adverse effect on broiler performance of an additional Ca source up to 1.6% levels. |
Keywords: calcium, broilers, weight gain, feed conversion |