Bioavailability of locally produced dicalcium phosphate (DCP) and monodicalcium phosphate (MDCP) relative to imported monodicalcium phosphate (MDCP) in broiler chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) from 0 to 21 days of age

Two chick assays were conducted to determine the relative bioavailability of locally produced dicalcium phosphate [DCP] and monodicalcium phosphate [MDCP]. Imported MDCP was used as reference standard for both assays. Each assay involved 600 day-old, all male Hybro-G broiler chicks randomly distributed to six dietary treatments, following a 2x3 factorial in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). In the locally produced DCP assay, there was no significant interactions between source and level of available phosphorus in all parameters measured. Birds fed diets with locally produced DCP had similar final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and % tibia ash with those fed diets with imported MDCP. Mortality was higher (Pless0.05) in birds fed the imported MDCP probably because it had 69% higher fluorine content relative to the locally produced DCP. Bioavailability values of locally produced DCP using body weight and tibia ash were computed to be 185.76 and 92.13%, respectively relative to the imported MDCP. Considering the lower peso cost per kg of locally produced DCP and bioavailability, cost per unit available phosphorus was lower for DCP than imported MDCP. Birds fed diets with locally produced MDCP had significantly higher final body weight, body weight gain and feed intake. In tibia ash, there was a significant interaction between the phophorus source and level of available phosphorus in the diet with locally produced MDCP having significantly higher tibia bone ash at 0.25% available P compared to imported MDCP. Mortality and feed efficiency were not significantly different in birds fed diets with either locally produced or imported MDCP. Bioavailability of locally produced MDCP was 99.86% and 252.25% relative to imported MDCP using tibia ash and body weights respectively as response criteria. Locally produced MDCP had lower cost per unit of available phosphorus than the imported MDCP mai nly due to the lower cost per kilo of the former. In both experiments, final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, livability and % tibia ash significantly improved with increased dietary level of available phosphorus form 0.15 to 0.35% (pless0.05)