Indian Journal of Poultry Science

A metabolic trial was conducted on the broilers to see the effect of supplementation of vitamin D₃ at Ca:tP ratios of 1:1, 1.2:1, 1.4:1 and 2:1 in the wheat based diets supplemented with phytase on the utilization of the nutrients. Eight wheat based diets with and without supplementation of vitamin D₃ were prepared. Ratios of Ca:tP ratio were adjusted by varying the lime stone powder and deoiled rice bran. The results revealed that the dry matter and organic matter metabolizability did not improve significantly by supplementation of vitamin D₃ at all the Ca:tP. Numerically maximum dry matter and organic matter metabolizability were observed when vitamin D₃ was supplemented at Ca:tP ratio of 1.2:1. Widening Ca:tP ratio along with phytase irrespective of the vitamin D₃ supplementation significantly(P ≤ 0.01) affected all the parameters. Supplementation of vitamin D₃ irrespective of Ca:tP ratio and phytase increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) the per cent calcium retention but failed to improve mean values of organic matter, crude protein and phosphorus retentions however, it significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased the dry matter metabolizability, crude fiber, ether extract digestibilities.