Impact of Using Emulsifier with Different Calcium and Soybean Oil Levels on Broilers Performance and Minerals Deposition

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of emulsifiers with different calcium and soybean oil levels on Ross 308 broiler performance, digestibility, carcass quality traits, and deposition of calcium, phosphorus, and manganese on the body and tibia of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old chicks were randomly distributed into 24 treatment groups: three calcium to phosphorus ratios were used, 2:1, 1.8:1, and 1.6:1, and each ratio was divided into two positive control treatments with an emulsifier (Lipidol) and a negative control without an emulsifier; moreover, each treatment used four levels of soybean oil: 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%. The results showed that emulsifier supplementation, low calcium levels (1.8:1 and 1.6:1), and high oil levels (2% and 2.5%) significantly elevated (P < 0.05) body weight and body weight gain and reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake and feed conversion ratio in all stages, except for body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the finisher period, which showed a nonsignificant difference. Moreover, broilers fed the diet with emulsifier had higher dressing and abdominal fat percentage (P < 0.0001) and those fed low Ca level (1.6:1) significantly (P < 0.0001) showed the highest abdominal fat percentage. It can be concluded that an emulsifier with a low oil level could improve fat digestibility in broiler chickens. Furthermore, decreasing the level of calcium at a rate of 1.6:1 can improve fat digestibility and elevate (P < 0.0001) the level of cholesterol on day 10; however, on days 23 and 42, cholesterol level was elevated by high calcium level (2:1). Emulsifier also elevates the cholesterol level at days 10 and 42. Broilers fed emulsifier, low oil level (1%), and high calcium levels at rates of 1.8:1 and 2:1 significantly (P < 0.05) had elevating levels of calcium and phosphorus and decreased manganese levels on the broiler body and tibia.