Growth inhibition of broilers by diammonium citrate

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Avian Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Low-protein diets can limit growth in young animals.
• Amino acid supplementation is crucial for optimizing nutrient utilization.
• Diammonium citrate (DAC) is a compound sometimes used in animal feed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of diammonium citrate (DAC) on chick growth.
• To determine if vitamin B6 can counteract any negative effects of DAC.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted using young chicks.
• Semipurified diets supplemented with amino acids were used.
• Diammonium citrate (DAC) and vitamin B6 were added to the diets in varying amounts.

Main Results:

• Diammonium citrate (DAC) did not increase weight gains in chicks.
• Vitamin B6 supplementation slightly reduced growth inhibition caused by DAC.
• Vitamin B6 improved weight gain per gram of nitrogen retained from DAC-containing diets.

Conclusions:

• Diammonium citrate (DAC) is not beneficial for growth in young chicks fed low-protein, amino acid-supplemented diets.
• Vitamin B6 may play a role in mitigating the negative effects of DAC on growth and nitrogen retention.