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