Influence of sugarcane press residue on calcium and phosphorus status of broilers

A trial was conducted to asses the inclusion of sun-dried sugarcane press residue (SPR) as a source minerals in broiler diets. Experimental diets were prepared by incorporating SPR at 5 and 10 per cent at the expense of relevant mineral sources in control diet (0% SPR). Further each diet was supplemented with or without lipid utilizing agents (lipase and lecithin) or NSP degrading enzymes or both to result in a set of 12 diets. Each diet prepared for starter (0–14 days), grower (15–28 days) and finisher (29-42days) phases was offered to triplicate groups of 10 broiler chicks each. The retention of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) was significantly (P<0.01) higher at higher level of SPR. The serum Ca and inorganic P in birds under different groups were comparable to each other at 21^st and 42^nd days of age. The toe ash and tibia Ca of birds was significantly (P<0.01) higher with incremental level of SPR while tibia ash and P remained similar among different groups. The main effects of SPR levels (0, 5 and 10%) showed significant (P<0.05) differences in Ca retention and toe ash content while the effects of biotechnological tools showed significant difference (P<0.01) in Ca and P retention, toe ash and tibia Ca content. In general, better Ca and comparable P status were observed in SPR based groups compared to control and hence, SPR can serve as a source of Ca and P in broiler diets.