Influence of additional introduction of magnesium in the diet on the productivity of chicken broilers

Abstract

Goal. To assess the effect of the additional introduction of magnesium in the diet of broiler chickens on their growth and development. Methods. The experiment was performed on broiler chickens of cross Ross 308 during fattening from 1 to 42 days of age. 2 groups of 50 chickens in each were formed. The experimental group was additionally fed with magnesium (1.82 g per 1 liter of water) in the form of a mineral additive “Agromin KO-KO”, the control group did not receive additional magnesium. Feed intake and poultry death were recorded daily, live weight was monitored weekly. At the end of the experiment, the slaughter qualities of the bird were assessed. Results. Addition in the diet of broiler chickens of magnesium (1.82 g per 1 liter of water) had a positive effect on the productivity of the bird and its viability, especially in the start period (P<0.99). The final live weight of chickens in the experimental group was higher by 3.1% compared with the control, the average daily increase in live weight for the entire period of the experiment by 3.2% exceeded the control indicator. The positive tendency was noticeable during the assessment of feed conversion — feed costs per 1 kg of growth in the experimental group were lower by 1.9% (1.71 kg). No special differences were found between the groups in terms of slaughter qualities. The effectiveness of additional magnesium intake was confirmed by a high index of meat production, which in the experimental group was 310.6 against 283.1 points in the control. Conclusions. Improving the productive characteristics of poultry (increase in live weight and growth rate, improved feed conversion) compared with control suggests a positive effect of adding magnesium to the diet of broiler chickens at the level of 1.82 g per 1 l of water on their growth and development, especially in the initial period.