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Mineral Composition, Physical Properties, and Nutritive Values of Calcined Limestone and Bivalve Shell for Muscovy Duck Starter

The mortality rate of muscovy duckling raised extensively was very high due to malnutrition. This study aimed to study the beneficial effects of calcination on mineral composition, physical properties of limestone and bivalve shells as mineral supplements for muscovy duck starter. Samples of limestones and bivalve shells were calcinated, and the products were analyzed for physical properties, particle size, and mineral content. Two complete mineral formulas were prepared by mixing the uncalcined and calcined products with other locally available materials. The mineral was mixed at 5% into the basal diet given to 180-day-old muscovy ducklings raised by 16 muscovy broods for six weeks. There were four dietary treatments: control diet (P0), basal diet + 5% uncalcined mineral (P1), basal diet + 5% calcined mineral (P2), and basal diet + 5% commercial mineral premix (P3), respectively. Parameters measured included feed intake, body weight gain, FCR, mortality, and mineral status of blood and tibia bones. Results show calcination increased calcium concentration, tapped and specific densities in both limestone and bivalve shells. Calcination significantly reduced particle size and bulk density of bivalve shell meal. Mineral supplementation using calcined limestone and bivalve shell meal significantly improved feed intake and reduced duckling mortality. The results suggested that calcination enhanced physical properties and nutritional values of limestone and bivalve shell meal shell for Muscovy duck starter.