The global population is growing rapidly, and it is estimated that feeding the nine billion people expected by 2050 will require a 70% increase in feed production. In order to achieve this, we need to find ways to optimise the process of growth and production. In broiler chickens, the utilisation of dietary protein has historically…
It is well known that limestone is used as a major source of inorganic calcium (Ca) in commercial poultry diets, as well as microbial phytase to improve phosphorus (P) and Ca utilisation, and to reduce P excretion into the environment. The efficacy of commercial microbial phytase to degrade phytate (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate, or IP6) in the…
In the first article in this series, we discussed the increasing demand for poultry meat due to both population growth and an increase in per capita consumption, and its related effect on the incidence of production diseases in poultry production systems. Last month, we investigated the interactions between the poultry gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the…
Last month, we discussed the increasing demand for poultry meat due to both population growth and an increase in per capita consumption, and its related effect on the incidence of production diseases in poultry production systems. One important factor in identifying cost-effective solutions to these production diseases is understanding the interactions between the poultry gastrointestinal…
It has been shown by several studies that metabolisable energy (ME) values vary significantly, not only between different feed ingredients, but also between different batches of the same feed ingredient within the same region. When formulating feed using tabulated values, this can result in the variability of maize ME of more than 50 kCal/kg between…
Abstract To date, poultry diets have been formulated to meet estimated requirements for total calcium (Ca), while frequently also maintaining a specified ratio of total Ca to available phosphorus (AvP). In vegetable-based diets, limestone can contribute in excess of 50% and 90% of dietary Ca in broiler and layer diets, respectively. In laying hens, it…
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