The Utilization of Phosphorus from Animal Protein Sources for Chicks

THERE is limited information regarding the biological value of phosphorus in animal protein supplements when fed to chicks. Spandorf and Leong (1964) reported that the biological availability of the phosphorus in twelve menhaden fish meals averaged 99 percent and ranged from 95–103 percent of the values obtained with corresponding levels from dicalcium phosphate. Because of the emphasis placed on linear programming of poultry diets, it is important that accurate information be available regarding the nutritional value of feedstuffs. The present experiments were designed to determine the utilization of phosphorus from some animal sources frequently used in poultry diets. Samples of fish meal, poultry by-products meal, and meat and bone meal were obtained from several sources. The various samples of the individual ingredients were blended for use in these trials. The blended samples were analyzed for protein, calcium, and phosphorus content by three laboratories. The average of…