Evaluating the impact of varying amino acid density and energy levels fed during the finisher phase (d 28–41) on male Cobb MV × Cobb 500 FF broiler performance, processing, and economics

• Published in: Journal of applied poultry research 2023-06, Vol.32 (2), p.100349, Article 100349
• Main Authors: Dennehy, D.G., Brown, A.T., Gehring, C., Coto, C., Mejia, L., Wamsley, K.G.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: amino acid; broiler; economics; energy
• ISSN: 1056-6171; 1537-0437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2023.100349

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding varying amino acid densities (AAD) and AME levels during the finisher phase (d 28–41) on male Cobb MV × Cobb 500 broiler performance, processing, and economics. A 3 AAD (Low-AAD, Medium (Med)-AAD, and High-AAD) × 4 AME (Low-AME, Med-AME, High-AME, and Very High-AME) factorial arrangement was utilized. Feeding Med-AAD or High-AAD maximized d 28 to 40 BW gain (BWG) regardless of AME level fed. As AAD increased, a stepwise reduction in FCR and ADFI was observed from d 28 to 40. For the main effect of AME, broilers fed Very High-AME improved FCR from d 28 to 40, with those fed Low-AME having a higher FCR and FCR of birds fed Med-AME and High-AME being intermediate. Birds fed Low-AME increased ADFI throughout but were similar to Med-AME from d 28 to 40. An interaction was detected for carcass yield wherein broilers fed Med-AAD + Low-AME maximized carcass yield. Feeding High-AAD maximized breast and tender yield and reduced fat pad yield. For the main effect of AME, fat pad yield was greatest in birds fed High-AME and Very High-AME. Overall, increasing d 28 to 41 AAD improved performance and processing variables; Very High-AME level improved FCR and ADFI. These data demonstrate the importance of evaluating the response of a particular broiler strain to varying AAD and AME levels, as these nutrients can impact performance and ultimately producer profitability.