Broilers fed with Phosphorus, Calcium and Phytase

Phosphorus and calcium are crucial in chicken nutrition for structural development and are commonly supplemented in plant-based diets. Also, the ratio of calcium and phosphorus is considered in diet formulation. Microbial communities of the gastrointestinal tract are affected by the addition of these feed supplements, but the effect on the microbiome functions is not yet deciphered. This study aimed to investigate the variability of the microbiome under different mineral supplementation. Experimental diets consisted of a control diet and two diets supplemented with either phosphorus or calcium. Samples were taken from the caeca, separately for digesta and mucosa.