Minerals balance and performance of broilers at 21 days of age fed diet containing Solanum malacoxylon

AbstractIt was studied the performance and the amounts of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) excreta and carcasses of broilers at 21 days of age fed addition of Solanum malacoxylon (SM) in rations. It was used a completely randomized design with three treatments: 0.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g of SM/kg diet, five replicates of four birds each. Using 5.0g of SM/kg diet reduced weight gain, decreased feed conversion, although consumption has not been affected. The inclusion of the plant did not affect (p>0.05) the levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium in excreta, and consequently the absorption of these minerals. The mineral composition of the carcasses was changed, and the concentrations of Na, Mg and K influenced. It is recommended that the addition to 2.5g of SM/kg of feed for broilers up to 21 days of age.