Effect of Dietary High Calcium and Low Phosphorus on Urolith Formation and Kidney Damage

Cockerels (60 days), randomly distributed into two groups of 10 each, were fed individually on isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets, containing 1.10 and 0.78 (normal Ca normal P, NCNP) and 3.40 and 0.59 (high Ca low P, HCLP) percent Ca and P, respectively. The diets were fed upto the age of 32 weeks, thereafter metabolic trial was conducted. Gain in body weight and feed intake on HCLP diet was decreased (P<0.01) than on NCNP diet. However, serum levels of Ca, P and Mg, estimated at monthly intervals, remained similar on both the diets. Kidney asymmetry ratio (heavy/light kidney) was more than 1.l0 with HCLP diet. X-ray examination and histopathology revealed urolithiasis in 35 and 75% kidneys of cockerels fed on HCLP diet, respectively.