Calcium and phosphorus and their nanoparticle forms in poultry nutrition

The modern broiler chicken industry is connected with various disorders of the skeletal system. The fast-growing birds by increased weight gain often have leg problem which leads to economic losses. The correct bone development of broilers is highly correlated with calcium and phosphorus ratio (about 2:1) so providing these macroelements with diet seemed to be fundamental. The most common inorganic sources such as limestone, mono- and di-calcium phosphates are commonly used nowadays. The doses in feed generally are in the range of 6-6.5 g/kg for Ca and 2-3.5 g/kg for P, depending on the supplementation of phytase. However, the bioavailability of inorganic sources is poorer than organic sources. This fact is important in reference to their impact on the environment. Because of the continuous search for alternative sources of calcium or phosphorus, with better bioavailability due to, for example, their size, the scientific area of nanotechnology arouses increasing interest. It is well-known nanoparticles have a great potential even at very low doses. Some research focused on calcium-phosphorus compounds already demonstrated no negative effect on birds' health, improvement in production results and bone quality, opportunity to use lower dosages of nano sources and decreasing content of Ca and P in excreta (by ca. 50%). Thus, this aspect may be the new trend during the next years. However, the further studies should be performed.