Utilization of Industrial Marine-Derived Turbinella pyrum Shell By-Product as a Sustainable Source of Calcium for Growing Black Bengal Goats

Rising costs of conventional calcium (Ca) sources like dicalcium phosphate (DCP) have prompted interest in alternative Ca sources. Marine conch (Turbinella pyrum) shell by-products, rich in bioavailable biogenic calcium, may offer a potential eco- friendly mineral supplement for small ruminant nutrition.

Twenty-seven growing female Black Bengal goats were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments. A di-calcium phosphate (DCP)-based mineral mixture served as control (T₀), while DCP was replaced by conch shell powder (CSP) at 100% (T₁) or 50% (T₂), with phosphorus balanced using diammonium phosphate and triple superphosphate. All mineral mixtures were formulated to provide comparable calcium (~21%) and phosphorus (~11.5%) levels, ensuring uniform mineral supply across treatments. A growth trial with 195 days observation was conducted to test the potential of CSP-sourced Ca in growing goats.

CSP, an abundant industrial by-product in West Bengal, was evaluated as a sustainable alternative Ca source for goats. Complete (T₁) or partial (T₂; 50:50) replacement of DCP with CSP, balanced for phosphorus, produced diets with Ca, P and Ca:P ratios comparable to the control (T₀). CSP-based mineral mixtures improved dry matter and crude protein intake, indicating enhanced voluntary intake and feed efficiency. However, growth rate remained similar across treatments. Ca and P levels were unaffected, as reflected by comparable urinary excretion. Observed temporal variations were physiological rather than dietary. The study concludes that CSP can fully replace DCP, with balanced P supplementation, without adverse effects on intake, mineral balance, or growth performance in goats.