Inclusion of short chain fatty acids and different calcium levels in diets for broilers

Ninety six Cobb male broilers from 21 to 31 days of age were fed including short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and different level of calcium. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), balance, dry, organic and mineral matter metabolizability, crude energy and crude protein metabolizability, tibia ash percentage and animal performance were measured. Experimental diets were assigned in a 5x4 factorial arrangement (without acids, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid) x (0.40, 0.59, 0.78 and 0.97 percent of Ca) in a randomized completely design. Increasing Ca levels affected positively and in a quadratic form Ca and P balance and the best levels were estimated at 0,87 percent and 0,75 percent of Ca dietary, respectively and affected linearly dry, organic matter metabolizability and tibia ash percentage. However, the efficiency of Ca retention was decreased quadratically with the increase of Ca level. The SCFA did not show detectable effects on the studied responses, and no interaction with dietary levels of Ca used. The estimated Ca requirement considering calcium balance was 0.87 percent.