The Effects of Particle Size and Origin of Calcium Carbonate on Performance and Ossification Characteristics in Broiler Chicks

Abstract

The following physico-chemical characteristics of various calcium sources, differing in origin and particle size were determined: mineral composition, sieve and image analysis, apparent solubility (AS), surface area (SA), porous volume, specific gravity, and compressibility (C). The AS, SA, and C values were related more to the calcium particle size than to its origin and were higher in ground calcium sources. Calcium retention of seashells treated with phosphoric acid, oyster shells, and limestone using two particle sizes, ground or particulate, was assayed in 98 broiler chicks. Particulate marble was also tested in this experiment. Calcium retention expressed as a percentage of calcium ingestion was decreased when coarse particles of calcium were supplied in lieu of pulverized sources (40 versus 49%). An experiment with a 3 x 3 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments were tested using 576 broiler chicks. Treatments included three calcium sources (phosphorus-treated shell, oyster shell, and marble), three particle sizes [ground (less than .15 mm), medium (.6 to 1.18 mm) and coarse (greater than 1.18 mm)] and three levels of calcium (.5,.7, and .9%) with ground limestone as a reference. Performance, tibial morphometry, breaking strength variables, and ash content were measured at 4 wk of age. Weight gain and feed conversion were ameliorated with ground particles of calcium. Cortical thickness, length of the tibia, stiffness, stress, and tibia ash were diminished when coarse particles of calcium were incorporated in the diets. Conversely, the origin of the calcium source hardly affected these criteria. Additionally, the incorporation of phosphorus-treated shells was assayed in 112 broiler chicks. Coarse particles decreased calcium retention. Consequently, ultimate stress, the modulus of elasticity, and stress were impaired. It is concluded that differences in utilization of calcium carbonate sources by the broiler chick is primarily a result of particle size rather than origin. Ground particles of calcium (pan to .15 mm) significantly improves performance and tibial ossification characteristics in broiler chicks.

The effects of particulate limestone and 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol in broiler chicken diets on the mechanical properties of bones

“…Similar results were obtained by Zahravi (1991), who noted that use of medium (0.6-1.18 mm) or coarse (1.18-4.75 mm) limestone significantly improved tibia ossification characteristics (as compared with finely ground calcium). Our findings are, however, in contrast to the study of Guinotte et al (1991), who found a negative effect of coarse particle limestone (>1.18 mm) on ash percent and mechanical parameters of tibias. The probable reason for these differences was that they used a higher substitution level of ground limestone by grit (100%) than in our experiment (30%).…”

“…Calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D 3 are nutrients necessary for normal bone growth and development. In studies on broiler chickens, the particle size of calcium carbonate significantly affected performance, Ca and P retention and bone characteristics (Guinotte et al, 1991;Zahravi, 2002). Vitamin D 3 is generally added to diets in the form of cholecalciferol, but in order to carry out its physiological function, it must be hydroxylated in a two-step process: in the liver (to 25-OH-D 3 ) and in the kidney (to 1, 25-OH-D 3 ).…”

Uso de fosfatos com diferentes relações flúor: fósforo na alimentação de poedeiras semipesadas na fase de produção

“…Entretanto, o uso de fosfato de rocha como fonte alternativa de cálcio e fósforo nas dietas visa diminuir o custo de produção das rações. Contudo, não existe padronização dos conteúdos de fósforo, cálcio, flúor e de sua disponibilidade biológica (Guinotte et al, 1991;Junqueira, 1991). Por outro lado, os dados disponíveis na literatura sobre o potencial de utilização desses fosfatos na alimentação de poedeiras comerciais são limitados (Rama Rao et al, 1998;citado por Rama Rao, 2003).…”

Fosfatos com diferentes relações flúor: fósforo na alimentação de frangos de corte

“…Contudo, seu uso pode ser prejudicial às características ósseas, uma vez que não há padronização dos seus conteúdos de fósforo, cálcio e flúor e da disponibilidade biológica desses minerais (Junqueira, 1991;Guinotte et al, 1991).…”

“…Contudo, seu uso pode ser prejudicial às características ósseas, uma vez que não há padronização dos seus conteúdos de fósforo, cálcio e flúor e da disponibilidade biológica desses minerais (Junqueira, 1991;Guinotte et al, 1991).De acordo com Gomes (1991), a maior restrição ao uso de fosfatos naturais na alimentação de animais domésticos é seu elevado teor de flúor, embora a forma predominantemente encontrada nesses fosfatos seja o fluoreto de cálcio, menos absorvível. Segundo Gomes et al (1989), a análise da toxidez do flúor nos ossos é necessária para avaliar o prejuízo provocado nos animais adultos e em crescimento.…”