Optimum Calcium for Poultry
Minerals are required for the formation of the skeleton as components of various compounds with particular functions within the body, as cofactors of enzymes, & for the maintenance of osmotic balance within the body of the bird. Calcium and phosphorus are essential for the formation & maintenance of the skeleton. Most of the calcium in the diet of the growing bird is used for bone formation, whereas in the mature laying fowl most dietary calcium is used for eggshell formation. Other functions of calcium include roles in blood clotting & as a second messenger in intracellular communications. Phosphorus, in addition to its function in bone formation, is also required in the utilization of energy and in structured components of cells. Vitamin D is required for absorption of calcium from the gut. Vitamin A is required for maintenance of epithelium which in turn governs better calcium absorption. Vitamin A also has anti infective role besides its role in vision. Vitamin B12 is a cofactor for enzymes transferring one-carbon units & catalyzing rearrangements in the carbon skeleton of several metabolic intermediates. In fowl, vitamin-B12 mediated one-carbon transfers involve methionine, serine, choline & thymidine.
Calcium & Phosphorus individually have their own functions & together they are required for the formation of hydroxyapatite & physical strength of the skeletal tissue.
During eggshell formation, Ca plasma concentration rapidly decreases, stimulating the secretion of the parathyroid hormone (PTH), which almost immediately promotes an increase in bone resorption, thereby supplying the necessary Ca in the blood stream.
Each 100 ml contains Calcium 4000 mg, Phosphorus 2000 mg, Vitamin A 675000 I.U, Vitamin D3 1600 I.U, Vitamin B12 2000 mcg, Sodium 70 mg, Magnesium 100 mg, Chelated Manganese 23 mg, Chelated Zinc 46 mg, Chelated Copper 5 mg, and is fortified with extracts of Alfa and pumpkin seeds.
Chicks 15 ml/100 birds/day
Growers/Finishers 30 ml/100 birds/day
Layers/Breeders 60 ml/100 birds/day