Evaluation of Calcium Supplementation in Finisher Phase Broiler Feed: Impact on Poultry Performance and Health-A Review

Abstract

Calcium (Ca) is an essential macromineral in broiler nutrition, supporting skeletal development, muscle function, cellular signaling, and metabolic regulation. Although Ca requirements generally decline as broilers enter the finisher phase due to reduced skeletal mineralization, dietary Ca levels exceeding 0.9% are still used in some formulations. Excessive Ca may provide limited production benefits while adversely affecting nutrient utilization, mineral balance, digestive function, and skeletal health. This article evaluates the potential effects of dietary Ca concentrations above 0.9% in finisher diets on growth performance, feed efficiency, mineral utilization, gastrointestinal function, and skeletal health in modern broilers. Available evidence indicates that excessive Ca may reduce body weight gain and impair feed conversion efficiency, potentially through alterations in gastrointestinal pH and interactions with other nutrients. High Ca levels may also reduce phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium utilization, particularly when the Ca-to-available phosphorus ratio is poorly balanced. Phytase supplementation may partially mitigate these effects by improving phosphorus availability and reducing phytate-related mineral interactions. Overall, Ca in finisher diets should be formulated according to physiological requirements rather than maximized. Maintaining an appropriate Ca-to-available phosphorus ratio, adequate phytase supplementation, and balanced nutrient interactions may optimize performance, mineral utilization, and skeletal health. Further in vivo studies are warranted to establish precise Ca recommendations for modern broilers.