A new global analysis by DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has revealed critical gaps in mineral nutrition practices in commercial broiler production, raising concerns about bird health, performance, and environmental sustainability.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The study, titled “Physiology-led Assessment of Calcium and Phosphorus Status in Commercial Broilers,” analyzed thousands of Verax blood biomarker samples collected from broiler flocks across 16 countries between 2019 and 2026.
Key Findings: Nutrition Does Not Always Match Bird Needs
Despite feed formulations being aligned with standard nutritional guidelines, the report found that many broiler flocks showed calcium and phosphorus levels outside healthy physiological ranges.
This indicates that traditional feed formulation methods may not fully reflect the actual biological requirements of birds.
Why This Matters for the Poultry Industry
Imbalanced calcium and phosphorus nutrition can have serious consequences:
- Excess phosphorus increases feed costs and contributes to environmental pollution
- Low phosphorus levels can reduce growth performance and bird welfare
- High calcium levels may lead to kidney damage and wet litter issues
- Calcium deficiency can cause weak bones, skeletal disorders, and higher mortality
What the Report Explores
The analysis provides a detailed insight into factors affecting mineral balance in broilers, including:
- Differences between ionized and total calcium measurements
- The role of vitamin D metabolism in mineral utilization
- Effectiveness of phytase enzymes in feed
- Influence of limestone particle size and solubility
- Impact of acid-base balance on mineral metabolism
These factors highlight why standard feed formulations may not always deliver optimal results.
A Shift Towards Precision Nutrition
The report emphasizes the need for a physiology-based approach using biomarker data to improve nutrition strategies.
By integrating Verax biomarker insights with feed formulation, poultry producers can:
- Improve bone strength and flock uniformity
- Enhance nutrient efficiency
- Reduce unnecessary phosphorus use
- Lower environmental impact
- Optimize feed costs
Expert Insight
Dr. Aaron Cowieson, Head of Digital Consultancy & Solutions at DSM-Firmenich, stated:
“Broiler mineral levels can vary significantly even when diets appear balanced. This highlights the limitations of traditional measurement methods. A physiology-led, data-driven approach allows us to improve bone health, flock consistency, and nutrient efficiency while reducing environmental impact.”