Using feed additives for better utilization of phosphorus and nitrogen in broilers feeds

Abstract EN

One hundred fifty Arbor Acers broiler chicks were distributed into five groups to study effects of using sodium formate, formic acid, Lactobacillus acidophilus and beta mannanase enzyme, in broiler feeds, on production performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, tibia properties and economic efficiency.

Each group of birds, was divided into three replicates of ten chicks.

The control group was fed basal (starter, grower and finisher) with no additives (T1), while other groups were offered basal diets supplemented with 2g sodium formate/kg (T2); 2 ml formic acid / kg (T3); 1g Lactobacillus acidophilus/ kg (T4) and 0.3 g beta mannanase/ kg (T5), respectively.

The results indicated that all production performance parameters: initial and final body weight, daily body weight gain, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio, were not significantly affected by treatments throughout experimental period.

Also, data of carcass, indicated that treatments had no significant effects compared with control group.

Plasma total protein, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus and activity of alkaline phosphatase, were significantly different within groups.

Tibia bone parameters: breaking force, density, robusticity index, Seedor index, were not significantly affected by treatments.

Economical evaluation showed that, relative economic efficiency, was improved with chicks fed (T2) or (T3) diets, while those fed (T4) or (T5) diets, recorded lower values.

It could be concluded that, supplementation of basal diets with sodium formate or formic acid enhanced economic efficiency of broiler chickens, without affecting performance or carcass traits.