1Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North West University, P Bag X 2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
2Present address: Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Department of Animal Science, North West University, Mahikeng, South Africa
*Corresponding author: zee_mine@yahoo.com
Online published on 16 September, 2021.
This study investigated the influence of different substitution levels of nano-dicalcium phosphate on growth performance and meat quality characteristics. A total of 240-day old Ross 308 chicks were assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0 (control), 40, 60, 80 and 100 per cent of nano-dicalcium phosphate from d 14 to 42 as a replacement for conventional dicalcium phosphate. Data were collected for average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits and analysed using one-way analysis of variance. The highest (P<0.05) weight gain and best feed conversion ratio were showed in birds offered 40% substitution level of nano-dicalcium phosphate, especially when compared to the control. Birds fed 40% nano-dicalcium phosphate had the highest (P< 0.05) slaughter weight, while die control group of birds had the least weight. Hot carcass weight was higher for birds fed 40% nano-dicalcium phosphate, comparable to those consumed nano-dicalcium phosphate at 60, 80 and 100 per cent. Shear force and water holding capacity values were elevated when 60% nano-dicalcium phosphate was substituted in diets. The meat pH was reduced in all the supplemented groups. Based on the overall findings, it is concluded that the substitution level of conventional dicalcium phosphate with 40% nano-dicalcium phosphate in broilers diet increased the growth performance and improved meat carcass characteristics.
Nanominerals, Growth performance, Carcass quality
