The effect of graded levels of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) in practical broiler starter diets in the humid tropics

Abstract

A total of 144 day-old Anak 2000 strain of broiler chicks were used in the study. A basal diet was formulated and supplemented at 0, 200, 400, 600 mg kg-1 of MgSO4 to constitute four dietary treatments. The birds were randomly allotted to the four dietary treatment groups and replicated thrice (12 birds per replicate). The performance characteristics, nutrient digestion coefficients, Mg utilization coefficients and haematological and biochemical parameters of the birds were determined. Feed conversion ratio, crude protein retention, Mg utilization and blood parameters were highest in birds fed diet containing 400mg kg-1 MgSO4. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in the final body weight, weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and crude protein retention. Liver Mg content, Mg intake and excretion increased significantly in a dosage dependent manner. Nutrients digestibility increased significantly as Mg levels increased from 0 to 400mg though, digestibility coefficients of Mg were significantly (p>0.05) depressed across treatments. However, serum Mg, Mg digestibility coefficient and tissue Mg residue were similar across treatment groups. The results showed that inclusion of 400mg kg-1 supplemental MgSO4 in practical broiler starter diets resulted in improved performance and nutrients digestibility of the birds.

Keywords: Magnesium Sulphate, Broiler Starter diet, performance, haematological and biochemical constituents.