Supplementation of 25 - Hydroxicolecalciferol and Thick Limestone in the Feed of Brown Replacement Pullets

M, Lourenço C. L. CC, Bastos-Leite SB, Evangelista AN, Cordeiro CM, Angelim AS, Farias M. RG, Abreu CR, Freitas E

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two limestone particle sizes and vitamin D supplementation on the performance, biometry of digestive and reproductive organs, and bone characteristics of brown replacement pullets. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Vale do Acaraú State University - UVA, consisting of 2 periods of 28 days. A total of 360 9-week-old replacement pullets of the Lohmann brown Lite line were used. The experimental design was entirely randomized in a 2 x 2 + 1 factorial scheme, with 2 limestone particle sizes (fine and coarse), 2 vitamin D supplementation levels (2760 IU or 1380 IU), and a basal diet, totaling 5 treatments with 8 replicates each. Performance, biometry of the digestive and reproductive organs, and bone characteristics were evaluated. The data were submitted to ANOVA variance analysis, the means were compared using Dunnett's test at 5%, and then evaluated considering the factorial model. There was no interaction between the factors. The variables were not influenced by the treatments. In conclusion, Vitamin D supplementation above recommended levels and the use of coarse limestone do not benefit the performance, development or maturity of brown pullets.(AU)

1. productive longevity
2. young layers
3. particle size
4. Limestone