Effect of Fluidized Bed Combustion Residue on Performance and Physiology of Broilers

Abstract

Fluidized bed combustion is a desulfurization process used by some coal-fired power plants. Because approximately 200 kg of fluidized bed combustion residue (FBCR) containing ca. 42.9% calcium is generated per 1000 kg of coal burned, FBCR represents a significant potential source of nutritional calcium. Broilers were reared in three trials utilizing FBCR as a calcium source. In Trial 1, body weights, feed efficiencies, relative liver weights, liver lipid, and bone ash of humerii and tibiae were determined when the broiler chicks reached 21 days of age. In Trials 2 and 3, plasma protein, hematocrits, and hemoglobins were determined at 42 days of age, and body weights, feed efficiencies, liver lipid, and relative bursa, kidney, and liver weights were determined when the broilers reached 53 days and 48 days of age, respectively. A slight improvement in body weight was attributed to the FBCR diets in two of the three trials. Bone ash and various physiological parameters evaluated indicate that calcium in FBCR is as available as that in limestone. Percent liver lipid was significantly increased in two of the three trials due to FBCR, and relative liver weight was increased in one of the three trials. These results suggest FBCR may contain substances that cause changes in metabolism and further evaluation may be warranted.