Assessment of processed rock phosphate as source of inorganic phosphorus and substitute for bone meal in broiler diets

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted for six weeks to assess the optimum replacement value of processed rock phosphate (PRP) for bone meal and as a source of inorganic phosphorus in maize-cotton seed meal based diets. A total of 144 day old Anack 80 strain broiler chicks were used. Triplicate groups of 12 birds were randomly placed on 4 diets containing 0. 1.8, 2.8 and 5.64% PRP which contributed 0, 0.16, 0.25 and 0.5% inorganic phosphorus in the diets respectively.

Results showed PRP levels in diets had no significant (P>0.05) effect cm weight gain, growth rate and feed intake at 0 - 4 weeks. When 2.8% PRP replaced 2% of bone meal, feed efficiency was not significantly different from those birds fed 3% bone meal in control diet. Inclusion of 5.64% PRP significantly (P<0.01) depressed feed efficiency more than other treatment groups during the period. Addition of 5.64% PRP supported higher growth rate than other treatment group during 5 - 6 weeks, but this was not significantly different from birds fed on control and 2.8% PRP diets. Feed efficiency was significantly (P>0.01) lowest in the group fed on 1.8% PRP diet. Weight gain, growth rate and feed intake were not significantly (P<0.01) affected by treatments during 0 - 6 weeks.

It was concluded that 5.64% PRP which supplied 0.5% inorganic phosphorus supported optimum performance in broiled birds replacing 100% bone meal in control diet and caused growth that was equivalent to the group fed on 3% bone meal in control diet.

Keywords: Processed Rock Phosphate, Substitute. Inorganic Phosphorus, Bone Meal.