Evaluation of Composition, In Vitro Solubility Rate and Calcium and Phospouros Digestibility of Different Calcium Sources and Their Effects on Performance and Bone Traits in Broiler Chickens

Mineral composition and in vitro solubility rates for seven different Calcium (Ca) sources, and their feeding effects on performance and digestibility of calcium and phosphorous in broiler chickens were assessed. The experiment used a 6 × 2 factorial arrangement with 12 diets formulated to contain of 6 Ca sources and 2 levels of particle size ( 1.0-2.0 mm) and one diet as a control contain oyster shell ( 1.41-2.83 mm, and >2.83 mm. Average concentration of Ca was 36.2 g/kg in all Ca sources. In vitro solubility was dependent upon Ca source and particle size with small particle generally having a greater in vitro solubility than large particle at the same time. Dietary treatments had effect on the feed intake and body weight gain in starter period, but there was no difference in performance of different Ca sources and different particle in grower period in broiler chickens. Apparent Ca and P digestibility in Ca sources was greater (P 0.5 mm compared with those fed higher particle size. However, the bone ash, non-fat dry matter, Ca and P of were not affected by Ca sources and partile size. In conclusion, results of the present experiment demonstrated that performance and bone traits of broilers were not affected by Ca sources and particle sizes; and there was difference in in vitro solubility and Ca and P digestibility of different Ca sources in broiler chickens.