Dietary Calcium and Protein Levels Influence Growth Performance, Intestinal Development, and Nutrient Utilization in Goslings.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) and crude protein (CP) levels on growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activities in goslings during the brooding period. A total of 972 one-day-old Jiangnan White goslings were assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial design with three levels of Ca (0.32%, 0.96%, and 2.88%) and three levels of CP (14.5%, 18.5%, and 22.5%). Results showed that moderate Ca (0.96%) and CP (14.5-18.5%) levels optimized growth performance, with higher body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI), while excessive Ca (2.88%) impaired growth and the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Intestinal morphology was enhanced by 0.96% Ca and moderate CP levels, as reflected by greater villus height

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12031493 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature