Alternative calcium source effects on commercial egg production and quality

This study aimed at verifying the possibility of replacing calcitic limestone by marine calcium in the diet of layers. A total number of 321 Hi-sex hens, with 40 weeks of age at the beginning of the experiment, was used. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, with 5 treatments (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 % of calcitic limestone replacement by marine calcium source) and eight replicates of eight birds each. Treatments significantly affected specific gravity (p<0.05), with the inclusion of 60% marine calcium (T5) presenting the worst result as compared to T1, which included only calcitic limestone as calcium source. It was concluded that marine calcium can replace up to 45% of calcitic limestone with no effects on performance or egg quality.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Pelícia,K, Garcia,EA, Scherer,MRS, Móri,C, Dalanezi,JA, Faitarone,ABG, Molino,AB, Berto,DA
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Fundacao de Apoio a Ciência e Tecnologia Avicolas 2007
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-635X2007000200005
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