Short Communication - Effect of Vitamin D and Phytase on Growth, Blood Mineral Level and Slaughter Parameters of Broilers

Current study investigated the dietary effect of vitamin D and phytase on performance, blood mineral level and slaughter parameters in broiler chicken. Diet A was without vitamin D and phytase supplementation (control). Diets B, C, D, E, F and G were supplemented with phytase at the rate of 400 FTU/kg, 800 FTU/kg, vitamin D 4000 IU/kg, 8000 IU/kg, phytase 400 FTU/kg + vitamin D 4000 IU/kg and phytase 800 FTU/kg + vitamin D 8000 IU/kg of feed, respectively. Each diet was fed to 30 broiler birds from post hatching to day 35. Feed intake was higher (P < 0.05) in birds offered diet B and D, while the weight gain and feed conversion ratio were better (P < 0.05) in those birds offered diet F. Serum calcium contents were more (P < 0.05) in groups D and G, while higher (P < 0.05) phosphorous contents were found in those birds fed diet C and G. The highest (P < 0.05) dressing percentage was observed in group F, and highest (P < 0.05) tibial ash contents were found in groups F and G. Keel bone length was improved (P < 0.05) in those birds receiving ration F and G, while highest (P < 0.05) shank length was observed in those birds receiving diet G. Based on these results, it was concluded that phytase and vitamin D, at the level of 400 FTU/kg and 4000 IU/kg, cumulatively improved the weight gain, feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage, keel bone length and bone mineralization. Keywords: Vitamin D, Phytase, Growth, Minerals, Chicken Minerals play an important role in animal production, reproduction, health and growth. Calcium and phosphorous are vital for physiological processes, body functions, bones, muscles, tissue formation and nerve transmission (Yatoo et al., 2013). Phosphorous (80% in bones and 20% in body fluids) maintains body functions. About 70% phytate phosphorous is present in ingredients of plant source (Rezaei et al., 2007). The action of digestive enzymes is disturbed by phytate. Phytase is used to overcome these problems. It reduces the economic losses and as well as environmental phosphorous excretion (Dilger et al., 2004). Phytase enzyme hydrolyses phytate molecule and releases phosphorous present in bound form. Poultry cannot utilize the phytate phosphorous due to low production of intestinal phytase in poultry (Abbasi et al., 2019). Calcium is major part of skeletal tissues and bones. Its deficiency leads to rickets, osteoporosis, osteomalacia and osteodyschondroplasia. Bones are shorter in length and have reduced mass and minerals (Onyango et