EVALUATE THE EFFECTS OF FAT SOURCES AND DIFFERENT CALCIUM SOLUBILITY ON BROILER PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT ABSORPTION, INTESTINAL PH, AND BONE DEVELOPMENT.

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess broiler performance when fed diets that differed in Calcium (Ca) source and concentration, following coccidia vaccinations. Vaccine level significantly affected all parameters throughout the present study except D0-14 FCR and D14-29 BW (P<0.05). Calcium source significantly affected average FI at D14-29 and D0-29 (P<0.05). A significant interaction was indicated for Ca source and concentration for D0-14 FI and BW (P<0.05). A significant interaction between Ca source and concentration for D14-29 BW and FCR (P<0.05). This trial supports previous data indicating that nutritionists should consider the interaction of Ca source, concentration, and vaccine to help mitigate the risk of NE. To further examine the interaction of Ca sourcing a preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary fat percentage, fat source and limestone particle size on D16 broiler performance. A three-way interaction was exhibited for average BW and BBS on D9 (P< 0.05). A three-way interaction was exhibited for average gizzard pH for D16 (P=0.0392). Fat level and Limestone particle size interaction was exhibited for FCR on D9 (P=0.0383). Fat source and fat level interaction was exhibited for average ileum pH on D9 (P=0.0398). Fat source and limestone particle size interaction was exhibited for average ileum pH on D9 (P=0.0393). Fat source and fat level interaction was exhibited for average BW, FI, FCR, BBS on D16 (P<0.05). Limestone particle size significantly affected FI on D9 (P = 0.0046). A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fat sourcing and different limestone particle size on broiler performance in a D28 trial. Poultry fat at a 0.75% inclusion with fine particle limestone affected average BW and FCR for D14 (P<0.05). Soy oil at a 1.5% inclusion with a fine particle limestone affected FCR at D28 (P=0.0022). Poultry fat at a 0.75% and soy oil at a 1.5% inclusion with a limestone provided as a fine calcium particle size had a significantly less efficient overall FCR (P=0.0059). This trial supports previous data indicating interaction of fat percentage and source coupled with limestone particle size effect on broiler performance, intestinal health and bone mineralization and health.