Effect of dietary calcium and phosphorus concentrations on retention of these nutrients by caged layers.
1. A 5 x 3 factorial experiment was carried out with caged White Leghorn hens with 5 concentrations of calcium (26.0, 29.0, 32.5, 36.0, 39.0 g/kg) and 3 concentrations of phosphorus (4.3, 5.0 and 6.0 g/kg) for 120 d. Variables observed were hen day egg production, food consumption, shell weight, shell weight per unit surface area (SWUSA) and egg content. 2. 36.0 g calcium (Ca) and 4.3 g phosphorus (P) kg were found to be the dietary concentrations that resulted in optimal hen day egg production, shell weight, SWUSA and egg content. 3. Lack of a significant interaction between the effects of calcium and phosphorus on production parameters showed that the dietary Ca:P ratio is not of great importance for the laying hen. 4. Absolute retentions of Ca and P were inversely related to percentage retentions. 5. A balance study of calcium and phosphorus also showed optima at 36.0 g Ca and 4.3 g P per kg. 6. It was inferred that 36.0 g Ca and 5.0 g total P per kg are the optimal concentrations in diets for caged layers in a tropical climate.
Chandramoni
Department of Animal Nutrition, Bihar Veterinary College, Patna, India.
Jadhao
S B
SB
Sinha
R P
RP
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000191:economics; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D004435:Eating; D004528:Egg Shell / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D010058:Oviposition; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014329:Tropical Climate
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D010758:Phosphorus