Dietary balanced protein in broiler chickens. 1. A flexible and practical tool to predict dose-response curves.

An empirical model of exponential form was developed, different versions of which can be used to predict growth rate, feed conversion and carcase and breast meat yield of broiler chickens as a function of dietary balanced protein (DBP) content. The model was developed to support decision-making by nutritionists. The model helps in determining DBP contents that maximise profit. The model avoids the practical disadvantages of existing methods. In contrast with mechanistic models, only data that are generally known by broiler nutritionists are required as input. Compared with predictions derived from one or a few feeding trials, the model predictions are more accurate (because the model was derived from many data-sets) and more flexible (because a description of the type of broiler was included as input for the model). Broiler response studies from the literature and the Nutreco Poultry and Rabbit Research Centre (27 data-sets in total) were used in the model development to select significant variables, to quantify the parameters and to evaluate the accuracy of the predictions. Input variables were DBP content, maximum performance level, age, year (indicating genetic potential) and sex. The model, including the assumption that the shape of the dose-response curves to DBP content is independent of broiler and feed characteristics, gave an accurate simulation of growth rate, feed conversion and breast meat for nearly all data-sets. Effects of DBP content on carcase yield were relatively small, except for carcases without skin and skin fat.

Dietary balanced protein in broiler chickens. 2. An economic analysis.

An economic model was developed that calculates economic optimal dietary balanced protein (DBP) contents for broiler chickens, based on performance input and prices of meat and feed. Input on broiler responses to DBP content (growth rate, feed conversion, carcase yield and breast meat yield) was obtained from the model described by Eits et al. (2005). Changes in broiler age, price of protein-rich raw materials and large changes (40%) in meat prices resulted in economic relevant differences in DBP content for maximum profit. Effects of changes in sex or feed price on DBP content for maximum profit were negligible. Formulating diets for maximum profit instead of maximum broiler performance can strongly increase the profitability of a broiler production enterprise. DBP content for maximum profitability depends on how the broilers are marketed; as whole birds, carcase or portions.

Responses of broiler chickens to dietary protein: effects of early life protein nutrition on later responses.

1. A study was conducted with modern broiler chicks to test the effects of early life protein nutrition and sex on responses in growth and body composition to dietary protein at a later age. Effects on the incidence of metabolic disorders were also evaluated. 2. From 11 to 26 d of age (EXP1), birds were given 8 diets varying in balanced protein to energy ratio (BPE ratio) between 0.575 and 1.100 g digestible lysine per MJ AMEn. Birds from two treatment groups in EXP1 (BPE ratio of 0.725 and 1.025 g/MJ, respectively) were subsequently used in a test from 26 to 41 d of age (EXP2). In EXP2, 8 diets were used, varying in BPE ratio between 0.500 and 1.025 g/MJ. 3. Responses in weight gain and feed conversion to BPE ratio in EXP2 changed considerably when BPE ratio in EXP1 was modified, irrespective of sex. Up to 10% improvement in both weight gain and feed conversion in EXP2 was observed if BPE ratio in EXP1 was 0.725 compared with 1.025 g/MJ. With males, however, the effect of treatment in EXP1 on weight gain in EXP2 was present only at high BPE ratios. 4. For the relative gain of breast meat and abdominal fat, but not for carcase, the responses of male broilers to BPE ratio in EXP2 were altered by the BPE ratio in EXP1. With females, responses in composition of the gain to diet in EXP2 were independent of BPE ratio in EXP1. 5. The incidence of metabolic disorders was low, irrespective of treatment in EXP1. The lower BPE ratio in EXP1 increased mortality in EXP2 from 0.8 to 3.6%. 6. Our findings show that broiler responses to dietary protein depend on previous protein nutrition and sex. Effects of early life protein nutrition on incidence of metabolic disorders were not observed. The results strongly suggest that protein levels in grower and finisher diets should not be optimised independently, but simultaneously.

Protein and lipid deposition rates in male broiler chickens: separate responses to amino acids and protein-free energy.

Two experiments of similar design were conducted with male broiler chickens over two body weight ranges, 200 to 800 g in Experiment 1 and 800 to 1,600 g in Experiment 2. The data were used to test the hypothesis that protein deposition rate increases (linearly) with increasing amino acid intake, until energy intake becomes limiting for protein deposition rate. Additional amino acid intake above this point would be deposited less efficiently. An increase in energy intake would increase lipid deposition rate, but should, at low amino acid intakes, not affect protein deposition rate. Each experiment consisted of 18 treatments: two levels of protein-free energy (energy(pf)) intake, combined with nine amino acid to energypf ratios. Protein was balanced for amino acid content and lysine was the first limiting amino acid in the diet. Protein deposition rate increased with additional amino acid intake. No evidence was found that energy(pf) intake limited protein deposition rate at high amino acid intake. Extra intake of energy(pf) increased lipid deposition rate, which was independent of amino acid intake. Where amino acid intake was limiting, additional intake of energy(pf) had generally no effect on protein deposition rate. The marginal efficiency of amino acid utilization for protein deposition did not depend on body weight. The facts are relevant to the modeling of the growth of broiler chickens.