The pattern of nutrient and energy utilization, retention and the chemical composition of the body in broilers from hatching to maturity.

The change of the body composition, of the energy content, and of the energy and protein balances was studied in male and female broiler chicks from hatching to maturity (about 140 days). The animals received corn, soybean meal and fish meal based diets which ensured maximal growth. Correlation were established between the ingested feed and the body evolution both from the point of view of quantity and quality, determining the content of protein, fat, ash, water and energy. By experiments of digestibility and by comparative slaughterings the energy and protein requirements both for maintenance and for protein and fat synthesis were determined.