Health performance and blood profile changes in commercial broilers supplemented with dietary monocalcium phosphate

Abstract

Fast-growing broilers faced with various leg health problems are in crucial need of an adequate nutritional supply of both calcium and phosphorus. The aim of the current work was to study the effect of different level of monocalcium phosphate supplementation on the health performance, haematology, and biochemistry changes of commercial broiler chickens. A total of 108 broiler birds (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into three treatment groups with six replicates consisting of six birds per replicates. Treatment 1 (control) was fed with available commercial starter and finisher diets containing dicalcium phosphate. Treatments 2 and 3 were fed with the same commercial diets but supplemented with 0.5% and 1.0% of monocalcium phosphate respectively. Throughout the 42 days of feeding trial, broilers from each treatment group were observed and recorded daily for any abnormal signs of leg disorders. Six broilers were randomly selected on days 21 and 42 from each treatment group where blood samples were collected via the brachial vein into anticoagulant (EDTA) and plain blood tubes for haematology and biochemistry analysis. Leg weakness, lameness, recumbency, and splay legs were the main findings observed in broiler demonstrating leg problems. The total broiler culled because of leg problem was relatively highest in T3 (4 broilers), followed by T1 (2 broilers), and T2 (none). There were significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) in the WBC, total protein, albumin, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase on day 21. Only WBC and alkaline phosphatase exhibited significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) between groups on day 42. Broilers supplemented with 0.5% MCP (T2) revealed the highest significant values compared to the other treatment groups for both starter and finisher phases. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the other parameters. In summary, 0.5% monocalcium phosphate was recommended as supplementation through this study; as it improves the overall health performances of the commercial broiler chickens.