The influence of two dietary calcium and phytase levels on the lesion scores, gut pH, gut permeability and serum calcium and phosphorus of broiler chickens challenged with necrotic enteritis

Abstract

<p>Calcium forms the bulk of minerals added to poultry diets. It is chelated by phytic acid and forms phytate-mineral complexes reducing Ca availability and the ability of phytase enzyme to hydrolyse phytate. High dietary Ca has been implicated in the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis as it increases gut pH and buffering capacity and decreases uptake of other nutrients. It was hypothesised that high dietary calcium and phytase would favour the proliferation of <i>Clostridium perfringens</i>.</p>