Impact of dietary amino acid concentration on growth, carcass yield, and uniformity of broilers

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to measure the effects of dietary amino acid regimens (high, medium, low) and gender on Arbor Acres Plus broilers. Body weight, feed conversion, mortality, carcass yields, and uniformity served as criteria evaluated. Growth and feed conversion were improved in broilers fed diets with high amino acid concentration until 35 days of age. Yields of some carcass parts were improved up to 35 days of age as diet concentration was increased. Flock uniformity was decreased when dietary amino acid concentration was reduced. Male broilers exhibited faster growth rate, whereas females had improved feed conversion at 28 and 35 days of age, but no differences were observed at 14 and 49 days of age. Male broilers had lower breast meat yield and relative abdominal fat than females. Variability within females was lower than in males. Results indicate that when high dietary amino acid concentration was provided at an earlier age, reducing concentration at later feeding phases did not compromise growth or carcass yields. Furthermore, moderate to high dietary amino acid levels may help reduce variability within flocks.