The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effects of particle size of dicalcium phosphate (fine or granulated) and of the levels of total phosphorus on the performance of broilers and levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium of the bones. Three hundred one-day chicks, males, Cobb strain, were used in an experimental design involving six treatments in a factorial arrangement 2x3 (2 particles size of dicalcium phosphate and 3 phosphorus levels of 0,5%, 0,6% e 0,7%). It was concluded that the addition of granulated dicalcium phosphate resulted in a better performance. The level of 0,5% total phosphorus depressed body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion and level 0,6% showed better performance. Total bone ash and bone calcium were not affected by treatments, however, better bone phosphorus was found when the broilers received the diet with 0,7% total phosphorus. Particle size did not influence the content of ash, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels of the bone.
bone; broiler; minerals; dicalcium phosphate; particle size; performance
