Researchers Improve Diet of Female Broilers

US - A recent study by researchers Dr Sami Dridi and Dr Michael Kidd at the University of Arkansas yielded new ways to improve the diet of female broilers.
calendar icon 30 September 2016
clock icon 2 minute read

Since feed is a major component of the total cost of production of broiler chickens, feed formulation and feed conversion efficiency are particularly important to the economically efficient production of broilers. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) exert several critical roles in metabolism, and their dosage needs to be closely managed because insufficient or excessive levels can be detrimental to cell growth.

The researchers determined the ideal level of the branched-chain amino acid valine that should be included in the diet of female broilers. Valine has recently become available as a commercial feed additive.

They found that by optimising the ratio of valine to lysine in the diet, improvements in body weight, feed conversion and breast meat yield could be achieved. In addition, the percentage of fat in the carcass was reduced. This is valuable new information for broiler nutritionists and broiler companies.

The project was funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation using a donation from Simmons Foods.

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