Effect of dietary phosphorus source and level on retention of calcium and phosphorus in broiler chicken

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different phosphorus sources viz. dicalcium phosphate (DCP), calcium hydrogen phosphate (CHP), diammonium phosphate (DAP) and single superphosphate (SSP) and their AP levels (0.30, 0.4 and 0.5%) on the utilization of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in broiler chicks. The test diets were fed ad-lib for 42 day followed by a 3-day metabolism trial. Significantly (P<0.05) higher excreta moisture was observed in SSP and DAP than DCP and CHP supplemented diets. Retention of Ca was not significantly influenced due to either p sources or levels. Significantly (P<0.05) linear increase in intake, excretion and retain P value were observed, when P levels were increased in diet from 0.30 to 0.50%. Significantly higher intake, excretion and retention of P were observed in DCP fed group than other P sources. Retention of P was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group fed DCP and SSP than CHP and DAP. The percent retention of P decreased with increasing dietary levels of P in the diet. It was concluded that the overall utilization of calcium and phosphorus in broiler chicken was better in DCP and SSP supplemented diet at low level of available phosphorus (0.3%) than those of CHP and DAP supplemented diet with higher levels.