Evaluating Sustainable Calcium Sources for Poultry Nutrition: A Comparative Study of Figuil Limestone, Shellfish and Quail Eggshell

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Calcium plays a crucial role in poultry nutrition, significantly impacting skeletal development and eggshell quality. This study investigates the synergistic and physicochemical properties of Figuil limestone, Douala shellfish, and Ngaoundere quail eggshells as potential dietary calcium sources, with a strong emphasis on animal welfare in poultry production. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), we conducted a comprehensive assessment of these materials. Our results indicate that Figuil limestone and quail eggshells are predominantly composed of calcite calcium, while shellfish primarily contain aragonite calcium. The calcium oxide (CaO) content was determined to be 50% in Figuil limestone, 42% in shellfish, and 26% in quail eggshells, with varying concentrations of magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), and iron (Fe). Substituting shellfish meal with limestone powder notably influenced broiler feed consumption at six weeks of age, positively affecting live weight and average weekly weight gain. Remarkably, treatment T4 (100% limestone) demonstrated particularly promising outcomes. This research underscores the importance of animal welfare by adhering to EU standards for the protection of animals in research. Our findings advocate for Figuil limestone powder as a sustainable and ethically sourced alternative to shellfish meal in broiler diets, capable of complete replacement up to 100%. This study highlights Figuil limestone's potential as a viable calcium source in animal feed formulations, offering environmentally friendly options for poultry nutrition while promoting animal welfare and delivering economic benefits to both developed and developing regions.