Recommended levels of calcium and non-phytate phosphorus for yellow-feathered broilers (finisher phase)

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) on performance, tibial characteristics, meat quality and plasma biochemical variables in yellow-feathered broilers during 85 to 105 d of age. METHODS: A total of 720 heads of 85-d broilers were allocated into 9 groups and provided with three levels of Ca (0.65%, 0.75%, 0.85%), and NPP (0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%) in diets for 21 d. RESULTS: The final body weight (FW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed to gain ratio (F:G) were affected (p<0.05) by dietary Ca. From the quadratic regressions, the optimal level of Ca in diet were 0.71% for FW and ADG, and 0.67% for ADFI. Dietary Ca and NPP both significantly affected tibial breaking strength and density. From the quadratic regressions, the optimal level of Ca and NPP in diet were 0.81% and 0.37% for tibial density. The shear force of breast muscle of broilers given 0.75% or 0.85% Ca were lower than that in birds with 0.65% Ca and drip loss of birds given 0.65% or 0.75% Ca was lower than that in birds with 0.85% Ca (p<0.05). The drip loss of birds given 0.25% NPP was lowest among all NPP treatments (p<0.05). Calcium affected (p<0.05) the plasmal contents of phosphorus, osteocalcin (OC), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin and the contents of OC and PTH were also influenced by dietary NPP. CONCLUSION: Dietary Ca and NPP level affected tibial characteristics, meat quality and biochemical variables in plasma of finisher-phase yellow-feathered broilers (85 to 105 d) and Ca also affected growth performance. Dietary 0.71% Ca and 0.30% NPP were enough for growth performance, while considering the growth performance, tibial characteristics, meat quality and biochemical variables together, 0.75% Ca and 0.37% NPP were recommended.