Summary of "Webinar Estratégias nutricionais para otimizar Cálcio e Fósforo no frango de corte moderno"

Summary of the Webinar: Nutritional Strategies for Optimizing Calcium and Phosphorus in Modern Broiler Chickens

Overview

This webinar focused on the latest scientific insights and practical strategies to optimize calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) nutrition in modern broiler chickens. It emphasized the complexity of mineral metabolism, the importance of understanding mineral sources, and the role of vitamin D metabolites in improving mineral absorption, bone health, and overall production performance. The event featured three expert presenters who shared research findings, practical applications, and answered audience questions.

Main Ideas and Concepts

1. Importance of Calcium and Phosphorus in Broiler Nutrition

Adequate Ca and P supplementation is critical for strong bones, efficient feed conversion, and optimal growth.
Excess calcium can negatively affect digestion by increasing gastrointestinal pH, reducing protein and mineral digestibility, and forming insoluble complexes.
The traditional Ca:P ratio of 2:1 may need adjustment based on digestibility and physiological stages of birds.

2. Calcium Metabolism and Challenges

Calcium absorption is influenced by:
- Vitamin D (especially its active metabolites)
- Parathyroid hormone (regulates Ca reabsorption and bone resorption)
- Calcitonin (promotes Ca deposition in bones)
Endogenous losses and incomplete digestibility complicate Ca utilization.
Limestone is the primary Ca source but varies widely in Ca content, particle size, solubility, and presence of contaminant minerals (Mg, Fe, Zn), which affect Ca bioavailability.
Limestone solubility is pH-dependent and varies along the digestive tract, impacting mineral absorption.
Phytate in feed binds Ca and P, reducing their availability; phytase enzyme supplementation helps release these minerals.

3. Vitamin D Metabolism and Supplementation

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin under UV light and metabolized in the liver and kidneys to its active form (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3).
Modern broiler production systems (e.g., indoor housing without natural light) require dietary vitamin D supplementation.
Supplementing with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) instead of or alongside vitamin D3 is beneficial because:
- 25-OHD3 is absorbed more efficiently by intestinal receptors.
- It bypasses the liver hydroxylation step, potentially reducing metabolic energy cost.
- It improves Ca and P absorption, bone mineralization, and growth performance.

4. Research Findings on 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) Supplementation

Three key experiments conducted at the Federal University of Paraná evaluated the effects of 25-OHD3 (referred to as “Ri” or “HID”) supplementation on broilers:

Experiment 1: Supplementation improved weight gain (~5.4%), feed conversion (~2% reduction), Ca and P digestibility (~6%), and bone ash content, regardless of dietary P level.
Experiment 2: Further reductions in dietary Ca and P showed performance drops, but 25-OHD3 supplementation still improved mineral digestibility, bone strength, and plasma mineral levels.
Experiment 3: Tested synergy between 25-OHD3 and higher phytase doses; both improved performance independently but no interaction was found.

The studies demonstrated that 25-OHD3 enhances active transport mechanisms for Ca and P absorption. A calculated equivalence factor was developed to estimate how much dietary Ca and P can be reduced when supplementing with 25-OHD3 without compromising performance.

5. The HD Improvement Factor Concept by DSM

DSM developed a mineral nutrition concept called the “HD Improvement Factor” (or “Hi”), based on research data.
This concept allows precision formulation of broiler diets to:
- Meet nutritional requirements accurately.
- Reduce feed costs by lowering Ca and P inclusion.
- Minimize environmental impact by reducing mineral excretion.
Example application showed:
- Reduction of Ca and P by ~0.5–5% across growth phases.
- About 9% reduction in carbon footprint due to lower mineral resource use.
- Estimated feed cost savings of ~2 euros per ton.
The HD concept respects the Ca:P ratio (~2:1) and is supported by patent-pending research.
DSM encourages use of this data-driven approach for cost-effective and sustainable poultry nutrition.

Methodologies / Instructions Presented

Calcium Digestibility Testing:
- Importance of diet adaptation time before testing (varies widely).
- Consider limestone quality (Ca concentration >38%, appropriate solubility profile).
- Be aware of contaminant minerals that reduce Ca solubility and digestibility.
Vitamin D Supplementation Strategy:
- Prefer supplementation with 25-OHD3 for better bioavailability.
- Supplement 25-OHD3 for at least 28 days (longer than traditional 21 days) in modern broilers.
- Maintain vitamin D3 in premix alongside 25-OHD3 for synergistic effects.
Phytase Use:
- Employ phytase enzymes to break down phytate, improving Ca and P availability.
- Higher phytase doses can provide “extra-phosphoric” benefits by releasing other nutrients.
Diet Formulation Using HD Improvement Factor:
- Adjust Ca and P levels based on equivalence values derived from bone ash and feed conversion data.
- Maintain Ca:P ratio around 2:1.
- Use precise data on ingredient digestibility and mineral bioavailability.
- Monitor bird performance and bone health to validate diet formulations.
Vitamin D Status Monitoring:
- Use dried blood spot (DBS) sampling for practical field assessment of circulating 25-OHD3 levels.

Key Lessons and Recommendations

Understanding the quality and solubility of calcium sources (especially limestone) is critical for accurate diet formulation.
Excess dietary calcium can impair nutrient digestibility and gut health.
Supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 improves mineral absorption, bone strength, and growth performance.
Phytase enzyme supplementation enhances mineral availability and feed efficiency.
The HD Improvement Factor concept allows for optimized mineral nutrition, reducing costs and environmental impact without compromising bird health.
Modern broiler genetics and production systems require updated nutritional strategies, including longer vitamin D supplementation periods and tailored mineral ratios.
Regular monitoring of vitamin D status and mineral digestibility is essential for precision nutrition.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Márcia NXAa Poultry Marketing Manager for Latin America at DSM Firminish Webinar host and introducer
Carlos Lozano Veterinarian, Global Product Manager for Special Nutrients and ID at DSM Firminish Animal Nutrition Air Health Event moderator and industry expert
Professor Alex Mayorca Brazilian poultry nutrition expert, Federal University of Paraná Presented on calcium metabolism, limestone quality, mineral digestibility, and related challenges
Dr. Lucas Schmid Researcher at Federal University of Paraná and Scots Research Netherlands Presented research on 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation and its effects on broiler performance and mineral metabolism
Dr. Umar Faruk Murtala Animal nutritionist, French National Institute of Agricultural Research and Franco Rebel University Presented DSM’s HD Improvement Factor concept, practical applications, and environmental/economic benefits

This summary captures the core scientific insights, practical recommendations, and research findings shared in the webinar, providing a comprehensive understanding of strategies to optimize calcium and phosphorus nutrition in modern broiler production.