Effect of High Concentrations of Cholecalciferol on Growth,Bone Mineralization,and Mineral Retention in Broiler Chicks Fed Suboptimal Concentrations of Calcium and Nonphytate Phosphorus

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of supplementing high concentrations (200 vs. 1,200, 2,400, and 3,600 ICU/kg) of cholecalciferol (CC) on performance, bone mineralization, and mineral retention in broiler chickens (2 to 42 d of age) fed a basal diet containing suboptimal concentrations of Ca and nonphytate P (NPP; 0.5 and 0.25%, respectively). A reference diet (RD) containing recommended levels of Ca, NPP, and CC was considered as control. Each diet was fed ad libitum to 21 replicates containing 5 birds in each. Body weight gain, feed efficiency, tibia ash, and serum Ca and inorganic P decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in broilers fed suboptimal concentrations of Ca and NPP compared with those fed the RD. The BW gain (2,400 ICU/kg) and feed efficiency, leg abnormality score, and bone mineralization characteristics (3,600 ICU/kg) in broilers fed suboptimal concentrations of Ca and NPP with high concentrations of CC were similar to those fed the RD. The concentrations of Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu in liver increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increase in concentrations of CC in the basal diet. Based on the results, it is concluded that performance and bone mineralization in broilers could be maintained with suboptimal concentrations of Ca and NPP (0.5 and 0.25%, respectively) and higher concentrations of CC (3,600 ICU/kg) in the diet.